Gaisböhl Riesling G.C. 2022 Dr. Burklin-Wolf

Tasting Note Gaisböhl Riesling G.C. 2022

The nose offers aromas of pineapple chutney and ripe mango, followed by notes of dried apricot and a subtle hint of coriander seeds. On the palate, it feels round and full-bodied, yet it is by no means heavy despite its 12.5% ABV. A stony minerality runs beneath the fruit aromas, providing a firm structure to the finish. The finish is taut and lingering rather than soft. It is dry and excellent to drink now.

Grape Varieties

Gaisböhl Riesling G.C. 2022 is a single-varietal wine produced from a single vineyard, so Riesling, 100%.

Pfalz Riesling tends to exhibit flavors of ripe stone fruits rather than green apples, and this characteristic is clearly evident in this wine as well.

Cellaring Potential

It is best enjoyed between 2025 and 2055. While the acidity is slightly lower, this is offset by its concentration and firm minerality. Serve at 12-14°C, the ideal temperature range for Grand Cru Riesling. Allowing it to breathe in a decanter for about an hour will bring out the aromas even more.

About Dr. Burklin-Wolf

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf farms roughly 85 hectares of vineyard across the Mittelhaardt, making it the largest family-owned winery in Germany. The estate sits in Pfalz, sometimes called the Tuscany of Germany for its mild climate and rolling hills. Its holdings cover the big names: Kirchenstück, Pechstein, Kalkofen, and Gaisböhl in Ruppertsberg, which belongs entirely to the estate as a monopole. And the focus is Riesling, bottled site by site to show off the mix of sandstone, limestone, basalt, and clay underfoot. Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze took over from her father in 1990 and pushed the estate toward biodynamics. In 2005 it became the first German winery certified by Biodyvin. Everything is picked by hand, fermented mainly with wild yeasts, and aged in wood or steel depending on the wine.

Terroir & Climate

Gaisböhl is located in Ruppertsberg and is a monopole (single owner, single vineyard) wholly owned by Dr. Bürklin-Wolf. It is situated on the Mittelhaardt, a sheltered area stretching along the Haardt Mountains composed of a mixture of sandstone, limestone, basalt, and clay. Pfalz is one of the sunniest and driest areas within Germany, and thanks to this warmth, the Riesling from this site exhibits notes of peach and apricot rather than the green, grassy flavors often found in northern regions.

Winemaking

After being hand-harvested, the grapes are fermented using wild yeast, allowing the vineyard's native microbial community to take the lead rather than cultured strains. Gaisböhl is fermented in large, neutral oak barrels that are old enough to prevent any oak aroma from seeping into the wine. Here, the size of the vessel matters. Large oak barrels allow for slow and gentle oxygen exchange, creating a rich texture without vanilla or toasted notes. Additionally, this wine is vegan, as no animal-derived fining agents were used to clarify it.

Food Pairing

With its blend of stone fruit and mineral notes, this wine pairs exceptionally well with seafood. Recommended pairings:

• Pikeperch: Enjoy it with brown butter; the rich flavor of the butter harmonizes with the wine's rounded palate.
• Roast: Pair with herb-seasoned chicken dishes.
• Mild Thai: Pair with green curry; the wine's fruity notes help balance the spiciness.
• Aged Gouda: The savory notes make the finish even more distinct.