SCHLOSS VOLLRADS Riesling Auslese 2009 Vineyards All Schloss Vollrads` vineyards are planted with Riesling, and are situated between the Rhine and the forest clad hills that protect the vines from the cool north winds. Rowald has been improving quality at Schloss Vollrads since he joined in 1997, and his philosophy runs through every aspect of production. Strict pruning ensures that yields are 40% lower than the legal requirement, while further reductions are made by crop thinning. Vintage information Harvest was done by hand with 20% of grapes affected with noble rot. Vinification The individual grapes were selected in the vineyard by the pickers, often passing through each vineyard many times to ensure the grapes were in the right condition before picking. Only fully-ripened, healthy grapes, with a must-weight higher than 95° degrees at the point of harvest can be used to make an "Auslese" wine. Fermentation with selected yeasts took place over 3 weeks in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of 18ºC. Tasting Notes The colour is bright golden with green hints. The nose is fresh with typical mineral complexity and apple and stone fruits of great Riesling. The palate is refreshing with its fine citrus acidity to balance the lingering sweetness on the finish. The 2009 has a lovely purity of fruit flavours, with apricot, pineapple, peach flavours intermingling alongside a touch of honeyed richness. Vintage information Vintage 2009 Grape varieties 100% Riesling Region Vollrads, Rheingau Winemaker Ralph Herke Alcohol (ABV) 7.5% Acidity 8.1g/l Residual Sugar 117.3g/l Bottle Size 37.5cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £38.60 (Including VAT at 20%)