Ansgar Clüsserath Trittenheimer Apotheke Riesling Kabinett 2024

Ansgar Clüsserath is in Trittenheim, in the southern part of the Middle Mosel, where the family has farmed since 1670 and Eva Clüsserath now leads the winery. This Kabinett comes from the Trittenheimer Apotheke, one of the region's steep south-facing slate vineyards above the river. The dark slate soils absorb and radiate heat, helping Riesling ripen on such a cool, high-latitude site, while the steep aspect maximises sun exposure and the river moderates temperature. Kabinett is the lightest ripeness level in the German scale, so fermentation is stopped to leave gentle residual sugar, which is why the alcohol sits at just 8 percent and the wine tastes off-dry rather than sweet. That balance of sugar against the Mosel's naturally high acidity is the style's signature. The colour is pale lemon-green. The nose is delicate and floral, with lemon, green apple and white peach over white flowers and a touch of honey. The palate is light and off-dry, with racy acidity, orchard and stone fruit, a hint of ginger spice and a wet-slate mineral finish. Serve well chilled at around 8 degrees. It is excellent with lightly spiced dishes and fresh seafood.