History and Heritage at Schloss Johannisberg
Vines have been cultivated at Schloss Johannisberg for 1,200 years and exclusively Riesling since 1720. This is the birthplace of one of the oldest and noblest white grape varieties in the world. The long history of Schloss Johannisberg brims with passion, responsibility and pride allowing the production of outstanding Riesling and inspiring the people who make it.
Terroir and Location
Fronting the River Rhein in Germany, the winery owns 50ha facing exactly south. A quartzite hill on the lower slopes of the Taunus mountains with an inclination of 45 degrees, the mountain extends up to 182m above sea level. The site offers the grapes the perfect aspect to accumulate sunshine at this northerly latitude. This terroir, combined with their passion for top quality, forms the foundations for exceptional wines.
The Unique Spätlese Style
The Spätlese wine style was recorded at Schloss Johannisberg for the first time in 1775. Spätlese should be translated as ‘later harvested’ not ‘late harvest’ as the grapes are still 100% healthy when hand-picked and gently pressed. Fermentation took place in stainless steel with aging on the fine lees until bottling at the end of March 2023. The art of making great Spätlese is to balance well-judged fruit sweetness with precise, zinging acidity. Filigree yet dense, always juicy, eternally fresh - Spätlese is a style utterly unique to Riesling.
