Hochheimer Kirchenstuck Riesling Spatlese
⏳ Drinking Window
2023 - 2038
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Spicy Thai curry, glazed pork belly, blue cheese
✨ Technical Specifications
The Hochheimer Kirchenstuck, or 'church plot,' is one of the Rheingau's most legendary vineyards, situated on a south-facing slope protected by the historic church of St. Peter and Paul. This exceptional site benefits from a unique microclimate moderated by the nearby Main River, with soils rich in clay, loess, and calcium-rich marl. Weingut Kunstler crafts this Riesling Spatlese to capture the perfect harmony of luscious natural sweetness and vibrant, electric acidity. Historically, the wines of Hochheim were so revered in England that they inspired the term 'Hock'—a favorite of Queen Victoria. This Spatlese showcases intense aromas of ripe peach, apricot, and petrol-like minerality, supported by a dense, structured palate that allows it to age gracefully for decades.
🍾 About the Producer
Weingut Künstler was established in Hochheim am Main in 1965 by Franz Künstler, reviving a long-standing family winemaking tradition that originated in South Moravia before World War II. The estate rose to international prominence under the stewardship of Franz's son, Gunter Künstler, who assumed leadership in 1992 with an uncompromising focus on terroir-driven precision. Managing iconic VDP.Grosse Lage vineyard sites such as Hochheimer Hölle, Kirchenstück, and Domdechaney, the winery champions sustainable vineyard management, minimal cellar intervention, and extensive aging on the lees. Künstler is renowned across the globe for its powerful, mineral-structured dry Rieslings, magnificent noble sweet expressions, and remarkably elegant, complex Spätburgunder.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Riesling