Robert Weil Kiedrich Gräfenberg Riesling Spätlese 2022

Winery Background and History

Weingut Robert Weil was founded in 1875 by Dr. Robert Weil in the village of Kiedrich, located in Germany’s renowned Rheingau region. The winery has built a prestigious international reputation for crafting world-class Riesling wines. Over the decades, Robert Weil has become a symbol of precision, tradition, and quality. The estate cultivates only Riesling grapes across its 90 hectares of vines, focusing on expressing the terroir of legendary sites like Gräfenberg, Turmberg, and Klosterberg. Today, it remains a benchmark in German viticulture and a proud member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter).

Producer and Wine Maker

The estate is managed by Wilhelm Weil, the great-grandson of the founder. As both estate director and winemaker, Wilhelm combines deep-rooted family tradition with modern precision. He is known for his meticulous vineyard management and an uncompromising approach to quality. Under his guidance, Robert Weil continues to deliver Rieslings of remarkable depth and clarity that consistently rank among the finest in the world. Wilhelm is particularly noted for elevating late-harvest and noble-sweet styles to exceptional heights.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The Kiedrich Gräfenberg vineyard is classified as a Grosse Lage (Grand Cru) by the VDP and is one of the estate’s most prized sites. It is a steep, southwest-facing slope with elevations up to 300 meters. The soil is composed of stony, fragmented phyllite mixed with loess and loam, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The vineyard benefits from long sun exposure, cool evening temperatures, and the reflective influence of the nearby Rhine River, creating a balanced microclimate ideal for ripening Riesling grapes while preserving vibrant acidity and aromatics.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Riesling

Vinification & Aging Methods

The grapes for the 2022 Kiedrich Gräfenberg Riesling Spätlese were hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, with great care taken to select healthy, late-harvested berries free of botrytis. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to retain purity of fruit and crisp acidity. Maturation followed in large, neutral German oak casks to enhance texture and complexity while preserving the wine’s freshness. The resulting wine exhibits precision, energy, and a perfect interplay of sweetness and acidity typical of Gräfenberg’s terroir.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

9.0%

Tasting Notes

The 2022 Spätlese is remarkably precise and expressive, with a lifted nose of ripe peach, citrus blossom, and wet stone. On the palate, it is luscious and elegant with crystalline purity. Flavors of apricot, mandarin, and minerality unfold across a vibrant structure. The finish is long, salty, and finely woven, with mouthwatering tension and immense aging potential. It delivers a seamless balance between natural sweetness and brisk acidity that is both charming and profound.

Food & Wine Pairing

This Riesling Spätlese’s refined sweetness and racy acidity make it an ideal match for spicy dishes such as Thai curry, Szechuan chicken, or Korean barbecue. It also pairs beautifully with foie gras, creamy cheeses like Gorgonzola or aged goat cheese, and fruit-based desserts such as tarte tatin or poached pears. The wine’s vibrant acidity cuts through richness while its sweetness complements bold flavors, making it a versatile and elegant choice for complex cuisine.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve this wine chilled, ideally between 8°C and 10°C (46–50°F), to highlight its freshness and aromatic complexity. Use a white wine glass with a narrow bowl to focus the delicate fruit and floral aromatics. No decanting is necessary, as the wine is expressive upon opening. For formal service, present the bottle chilled in an ice bucket, and pour slowly to avoid disturbing any potential sediment that may form during aging.

Storage and Aging Potential

While the 2022 Kiedrich Gräfenberg Spätlese is delightful in its youth, it is built for long-term aging. Thanks to its structure, acidity, and residual sugar, it can evolve beautifully over the next 20 to 30 years under optimal cellaring conditions: a cool, dark, and vibration-free environment with a stable temperature around 12°C (54°F). Over time, the wine will develop notes of honey, dried apricot, and petrol while maintaining its vitality and elegance.

Scores

• Wine Advocate: 94+

• Robert Parker: 94+ (via Wine Advocate)