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Wine Tasting Note: Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spätlese 2012
Wine Region: Mosel, Germany
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5
4.5/5
Varietal: Riesling
The Riesling grape is known for its versatility and ability to express the characteristics of the terroir in which it is grown. In the Mosel region, the slate soil imparts a distinct minerality to the wines, while the cool climate allows the grapes to retain their acidity, resulting in wines with a delicate balance of sweetness and acidity. The Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spätlese 2012 is a late harvest wine, meaning the grapes were allowed to ripen longer on the vine, resulting in a wine with concentrated flavors and a higher sugar content.
About the Wine Maker: Leonard Kreusch
Leonard Kreusch, the namesake of the winery, founded the family business in 1897 at the age of 27. He began producing wines commercially in the small village of Schweich, initially for the local market. The winery has since grown and evolved, becoming a leading exporter of German wines. Today, Leonard Kreusch Wines offers a complete range of German wines, including vineyard-designated varieties. The winery’s roots can be traced back to the Mosel region, known for its unique terroir that greatly influences the flavor profiles of the wines produced there.
Wine Region Details: Element
The wine hails from the Mosel region of Germany, a region renowned for its steep, south-facing slopes and slate soil. These conditions are ideal for the cultivation of the Riesling grape, allowing it to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors while maintaining its characteristic acidity. The Mosel River’s influence on the region’s climate, combined with the slate soil’s ability to retain heat, contributes to the unique terroir that is reflected in the wines produced here.
Original: Wine Tasting Note
Well rounded with an abundance of light fruit, but not over-powering. Perfect balance between crisp acidity and ripe Riesling fruit. Gentle tartness. Sweet and mouthwatering tastes that stimulates appetite. The Mosel region, named after the eponymous river that flows through it, is one of 13 German wine regions. The region covers the valleys of the rivers Mosel, Saar, and Ruwer and is known for the steep sloping vineyards rising from the river. Mosel is the most popular of Germany’s wine regions. In 1897, at the age of 27, Leonard Kreusch, founded the family winery and began producing wines. Upon the repeal of Prohibition, the family began the export of their wines to the U.S. In 1950 and Leonard Kreusch, Inc. was founded. Over 60 years later – now in the fourth generation – the company remains in the family. Still continuing their mission of offering outstanding quality German wines.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
The Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spätlese 2012 pairs beautifully with spicy Asian cuisine, Thai Food, Seafood, Creamy French and Italian, rich cheeses, and fruit-based desserts. Its balance of sweetness and acidity makes it a versatile wine that can complement a wide range of dishes.
Visual Inspection:
The wine presents a bright, golden color in the glass, indicative of its age and the extended ripening period of the grapes. The clarity of the wine is excellent, with no visible impurities.
Swirl & Smell the Wine:
On the nose, the wine offers an enticing bouquet of ripe peaches, apricots, and honey, underscored by a distinct mineral note that is characteristic of Mosel Rieslings. The aromas are intense and complex, hinting at the depth of flavors to come.
Taste the Wine:
On the palate, the Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spätlese 2012 is rich and luscious, with flavors of ripe stone fruits, honey, and a hint of citrus. The sweetness of the wine is perfectly balanced by its vibrant acidity, resulting in a wine that is both sweet and refreshing.
Evaluate the Finish:
The wine has a long, lingering finish, with the sweet fruit flavors giving way to a refreshing mineral note. The balance of sweetness and acidity is maintained through to the finish, making for a wine that is enjoyable from the first sip to the last.
Final Thoughts
The Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spätlese 2012 is a testament to the quality of wines produced in the Mosel region and the expertise of the Leonard Kreusch winery. Its balance of sweetness and acidity, coupled with its complex flavors and aromas, make it a wine that is both enjoyable to drink and interesting to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a novice wine drinker, this wine offers an excellent opportunity to experience the unique characteristics of Mosel Rieslings.
Cheers,
Maximilian D. Lucena
