Josephshofer Riesling BA
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 15 to 50 years from the vintage release, as its profound structure and high acidity allow it to develop complex tertiary notes over decades.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Blue cheese, apple tarte tatin, rich duck liver pâté
✨ Technical Specifications
The Josephshofer vineyard in Graach is one of the Mosel's most legendary monopoles, held exclusively by Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt since 1858, when it was acquired from the secularized Abbey of St. Martin in Trier. Unlike the steep, stony cliffs nearby, the Josephshof sits on a deep, south-facing slope of weathered Devonian clayey slate, yielding Rieslings of remarkable body, spice, and structure. When conditions allow for the development of noble rot, the estate crafts its rare Beerenauslese (BA). This luscious nectar is made from individually hand-selected, shriveled berries. The resulting wine is a masterclass in balance, where intense, honeyed sweetness and concentrated stone fruit notes are perfectly countered by the Mosel's trademark electric acidity and deep, smoky minerality.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1349, Weingut Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt is one of the Mosel's most venerable estates, boasting a viticultural lineage that spans nearly seven centuries. Acquired by the Reh family in 1978 and revitalized under the stewardship of Annegret Reh-Gartner, the estate is headquartered at Schloss Marienlay in the Ruwer valley. The winery holds an extraordinary portfolio of steep-slope terroirs extending across the Mosel, Saar, and Ruwer valleys, united by varied Devonian blue, red, and grey slate soils and cool, river-moderated microclimates. Sustainable vineyard stewardship emphasizes low yields and selective hand-harvesting. Cellar work combines temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel with traditional oak casks, focusing on purity, site expression, and vibrant acidity. The estate produces classic dry Grosses Gewächs and pristine Prädikat bottlings from premier crus like Scharzhofberger, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, and Wehlener Sonnenuhr, headlined by its celebrated 3.8-hectare Graach monopole, the Josephshöfer.
🍇 Grapes
100% Riesling