St Antony, Hipping Riesling, Grosses Gewächs, 2016

The limestone from the land around St Antony was once used to smelt iron, but as demand slumped following the end of the First World War, the ironworks’ owners moved into wine production instead. The Hipping vineyard plot, on the Roter Hang escarpment, is exposed to the north, bringing cooler conditions which ensure the grapes ripen slowly, helped by its proximity to the Rhine. The vines are tended following biodynamic practices, which extends to gentle, gravity-fed handling in the winery. This Riesling was fermented in a 100-year-old barrel. Gearoid Devaney MS: Bright and open, this has lots of ripe apple and pear on the nose. It' more citrussy on the palate, with well-balanced acidity and alcohol. Elegant and harmonious, with a long finish. Anne Krebiehl MW: Fragrant herbal notes with tangerine and lemon flavours. It's a gentle wine, not overdone. Bright and fresh. Sebastian Thomas: Very spicy, with some herbal notes. It shows lovely balance and ripeness, with very well integrated ripe acidity leading to a long, juicy finish. Fine and elegant.