Van Volxem : Bockstein Riesling Grosses Gewächs 2021

Tasting characteristics and advice for the 2021 Bockstein Riesling Grosses Gewächs from Van Volxem

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a pale golden-yellow hue with bright highlights.

Nose

Intense and complex, the nose reveals aromas of ripe yellow fruits, notably apricot and peach, alongside notes of citrus and white flowers. Spicy and smoky nuances, the hallmark of the slate terroir, round out this elegant bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this Riesling impresses with its elegance and silky texture. The balance between ripe fruit and mineral tension is remarkable. The long, saline finish underscores the exceptional character of this wine.

Food and wine pairings

This 2021 Bockstein Riesling Grosses Gewächs is an ideal match for seafood, especially oysters, as well as grilled fish. It also pairs beautifully with lightly spiced Asian dishes.

Serving and cellaring

The 2021 Bockstein Riesling Grosses Gewächs can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve through around 2034.

The finesse and minerality of a German Riesling

The estate

Located in Wiltingen in the Saar Valley, the Van Volxem estate has a history dating back to Roman times. Acquired in 2000 by Roman Niewodniczanski, the estate now oversees around 85 hectares of vineyards spread across the most prestigious terroirs of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer. Under his leadership, Van Volxem has established itself as a benchmark for the region’s dry Rieslings, producing natural wines that authentically express their place of origin while perpetuating historic German winemaking traditions.

The vineyard

The Ockfener Bockstein vineyard, classified as a Grosse Lage (Grand Cru), forms a natural amphitheater with a south to southwest exposure in a side valley of the Moselle. The slopes, with gradients that sometimes reach 80%, are composed of grey slate (greywacke) and quartzite. These soils give the wines a distinctive minerality and remarkable floral character. The cool climate promotes slow ripening, enabling the development of naturally high acidity.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage proved particularly challenging for winegrowers. After a mild winter, spring was marked by cool temperatures that delayed the start of the growing season. July, warm and rainy, generated strong fungal pressure. Fortunately, late August and September brought dry, mild conditions that allowed for optimal ripening. This cooler vintage marks a return to the Saar’s classic style, emphasizing finesse and vibrant acidity.

Winemaking and aging

The 2021 Bockstein Riesling Grosses Gewächs is crafted using traditional methods that respect the terroir. The grapes are harvested by hand. Fermentation occurs spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts naturally present in the vineyard. Aging takes place in large oak foudres, allowing the wine to develop complexity while preserving the purity of the fruit and the expression of its terroir.

Grape variety

100% Riesling