Stallmann-Hiestand Riesling Geierscheiss Spätlese 2023

Stallmann-Hiestand is a Rheinhessen estate working vineyards around Oppenheim, Nierstein, Guntersblum and Uelversheim, with a focus on Riesling and a style built on precision and definition. This Spatlese, the German term for a late-picked harvest category, is a sweeter expression made from Riesling grown on the region's mix of limestone, loess and clay soils. The grapes are picked late once fully ripe, raising sugar levels, and fermentation is stopped while substantial natural sweetness remains, keeping the alcohol low at 11%. No oak is used, so the wine stays bright and fruit focused, the cool fermentation preserving Riesling's aromatic intensity and lively acidity. That balance of residual sugar against high acidity is the defining feature of the style. The colour is pale and bright. The nose is floral and exotic, with ripe white peach, apricot, white currant and tropical fruit lifted by citrus. The palate is sweet and juicy but cut clean by lemony acidity, finishing fresh rather than cloying. Serve well chilled, around 8 degrees. It is a fine match for fruit tarts, and the off-dry sweetness and low alcohol make it a good foil for moderately spiced Asian dishes.