Deinhard Green Label Dry Riesling 2023

Winery Background and History:

Deinhard is one of Germany’s historic wine houses, founded in 1794 in Koblenz at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel. Originally a family-run merchant house trading fine wines along the great rivers, it built a reputation for Riesling and sparkling wines that showcased classic German elegance. Today it forms part of a modern international group yet continues to focus on accessible, well-made Rieslings for export markets. The Green Label range is positioned as the flagship expression of the house style, highlighting freshness, purity of fruit, and a clear sense of German Riesling identity.

Producer and Wine Maker:

The wines are produced under the Deinhard brand by a skilled cellar team experienced in crafting consistent, high quality Riesling at scale. Their philosophy is to combine traditional German know-how with modern technology to deliver clean, precise and reliable wines. Emphasis is placed on gentle handling of the grapes, temperature control during fermentation, and the protection of aromatics from vineyard to bottle. Rather than chasing extremes, the team aims for balance, drinkability and typicity, offering a dry style that still feels approachable. The Green Label Dry Riesling reflects this approach with its clear fruit, bright acidity and discreet structure.

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

The fruit is sourced from vineyards in the Mosel region, one of Germany’s most famous cool-climate Riesling areas. Vines grow on steep slopes with predominantly slate-based soils that store heat during the day and release it at night, helping grapes ripen while retaining high acidity. The Mosel’s winding river reflects sunlight back onto the vineyards, further assisting ripening in this marginal climate. Cool nights and relatively moderate summer temperatures preserve delicate aromatics and slow flavour development. This combination of slate soils, river influence and cool conditions produces Rieslings that are light, finely etched and distinctly mineral, with a characteristic tension between fruit and freshness.

Vinification & Aging Methods:

Grapes are harvested and quickly brought to the cellar for gentle pressing to avoid phenolic bitterness. Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks at cool settings to retain primary fruit and floral notes. Selected yeast strains are used to guide a clean, steady fermentation to dryness, highlighting citrus and stone fruit while preserving crisp acidity. No new oak is employed, as the style focuses on purity rather than wood influence. The wine spends a short period on fine lees to round the palate before clarification and bottling. The result is a dry, vibrant Riesling with a clear expression of grape and terroir, intended for early enjoyment.

Tasting Notes:

The wine shows a pale citrus-yellow colour. On the nose, it offers bright aromas of green apple, lime zest and lemon, joined by hints of pear, white peach and subtle lychee. A light touch of honeydew melon and a faint smoky or stony nuance hint at its slate-influenced origins. On the palate it is dry, crisp and refreshing, driven by zesty citrus and crunchy green apple, with stone fruit and delicate floral notes in the background. The acidity is lively yet balanced, supported by a fine, salty-mineral line. The finish is clean, medium in length and mouth-watering, inviting another sip.

Food & Wine Pairing:

This dry Riesling is very versatile at the table. Its bright acidity and citrus lift make it ideal for seafood such as prawns, mussels, steamed fish and ceviche. It pairs well with sushi, sashimi and lighter Japanese dishes, as well as Thai or Vietnamese cuisine with lime, herbs and mild chilli heat. The wine’s freshness also complements salads, goat cheese, soft cheeses and vegetable dishes like asparagus or grilled zucchini. Pork dishes with apple, light poultry, and lightly spiced Chinese cuisine are also excellent matches. Overall it shines with foods that benefit from acidity, citrus brightness and a clean, refreshing finish.

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve well chilled but not icy, ideally around 8–10°C to showcase both aromatics and structure. Use a medium-sized white wine glass with a slightly narrowed rim to focus the citrus and floral notes while allowing some aeration. No decanting is required, but pouring the wine a few minutes before drinking helps it open naturally in the glass. Keep the bottle in an ice bucket with some water during service to maintain temperature. This style is best enjoyed in its youth, so presenting it vibrant and cool enhances the precision, minerality and refreshing character.

Storage and Aging Potential:

This wine is intended primarily for early drinking, showing its best within two to four years from the vintage when fruit and acidity are at their brightest. Stored in a cool, dark place at a stable 12–14°C with moderate humidity, it will hold its freshness over this period. With short-term cellaring it may gain a little extra roundness and a touch of honeyed complexity, but it is not designed for long-term aging. Bottles should be stored horizontally if closed with cork, or upright if under screwcap, and protected from light and temperature fluctuations to preserve aromatics and balance.

Grape Varietals & percentage used:

100% Riesling

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

12%