Hochheimer Kirchenstuck Riesling Spatlese
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 10–30 years from vintage release, though its vibrant acidity makes it highly appealing in its youth.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Spicy Thai curry, glazed pork belly, blue cheese
✨ wine.spec_sheet
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.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Re-established in 1965 by Franz Künstler in Hochheim am Main, Weingut Künstler carries forward a family winemaking heritage dating back to 1648 in Moravia. Today, under the stewardship of Gunter Künstler, who took over in 1992, the estate has risen to become one of the Rheingau's most celebrated producers and a prominent member of the VDP. The winery is renowned for its meticulous management of legendary Erste and Grosse Lage vineyards, such as Hochheimer Hölle and Kirchenstück. Utilizing traditional large oak casks alongside modern stainless steel, Künstler crafts exceptionally precise, mineral-driven Rieslings and elegant Spätburgunders that beautifully express the unique clay-loess and limestone terroirs near the Main river.