Scharzhofberger Riesling BA
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 15 to 50+ years from the vintage release, with the finest vintages capable of aging gracefully for a century.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Blue cheese, fruit-based tarts, foie gras
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the legendary Scharzhofberg, arguably the Saar valley's most revered grand cru vineyard, this Beerenauslese (BA) by Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt represents the pinnacle of noble sweet Riesling. The vineyard's unique microclimate—characterized by cold winds, a south-facing slope, and deep, iron-rich Devonian slate—imparts a piercing, crystalline acidity that beautifully balances the intense sweetness of the wine. Crafted only in exceptional vintages, the wine is made from individually hand-plucked grapes shriveled by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). This meticulous selection process yields a nectar of extraordinary concentration, marrying luscious honeyed richness with an ethereal, mineral-driven lightness that is the hallmark of the Saar.
🍾 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.