Schloss Johannisberg Silberlack Riesling (Großes Gewächs) 2021

Winery Background and History

Schloss Johannisberg, located in Germany’s Rheingau region, is celebrated as the first estate dedicated solely to Riesling, with roots dating back over 900 years. The estate is a pillar of Riesling heritage and quality, pioneering classifications that evolved into today’s German Prädikats system. 

Producer and Winemaker

Managed under Dr. Oetker’s ownership, Schloss Johannisberg continues its legacy through meticulous vineyard and cellar practices, combining respect for tradition with modern excellence in Riesling craftsmanship. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Silberlack is a distinguished single-vineyard Grand Cru site featuring steep, slate-soil slopes along the Rhine. It benefits from unique warmth retention and minerality that define the depth and precision of its Rieslings. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

This Riesling undergoes hand-harvested picking and gentle pressing. Most of the must ferments to dryness under strict VDP GG standards. Following fermentation, the wine ages on fine lees for six months before bottling. 

Tasting Notes

The wine is pale lemon-yellow with shy aromatics of citrus peel, underripe apple, pear, fennel, and white acacia blossom. On the palate, it is bone-dry, mineral-driven, with slate-like flintiness and vibrant acidity. Falstaff describes it as offering ripe stone fruit, violet notes, lemon zest, herbs, peach, and pineapple—all carried by balanced acidity and a “never-ending finish.” 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pair beautifully with shellfish such as oysters, crab, or shrimp, as well as with lighter salads like a Waldorf. Its steely structure also complements rich seafood like lobster or monkfish. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled in a white wine glass to highlight its fresh aromatics and mineral precision. (Standard Riesling best practices; inferred.)

Storage and Aging Potential

Riesling from this terroir, especially GG, is built for long-term patience. Expect complexity and harmony to evolve gracefully over decades—or even centuries. 

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Riesling — classic for Schloss Johannisberg and mandated for GG. 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 13% ABV, typical for dry German Riesling. 

Scores (highest to lowest)

• 93 / 100 – Falstaff (via Wine-Searcher summary)