Scharzhofberger Pergensknopp Riesling Erste Lage
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 5–20 years from vintage release, with the potential to develop beautifully for decades.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
pan-seared trout, roasted pork belly, spicy Thai curry
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Scharzhofberger Pergensknopp represents one of the crown jewels of the Saar, sourced from a historic, south-facing sub-parcel of the legendary Scharzhofberg vineyard. This steep slope is characterized by a unique soil composition of iron-rich red Devonian slate mixed with grey slate, which imparts a distinct, smoky minerality and deep complexity to the wine. The vines here are exceptionally old, with some being ungrafted, yielding tiny, highly concentrated berries. Van Volxem vinifies this Riesling using traditional methods, including spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in large, neutral oak fuder casks. The resulting wine is a masterclass in tension, balancing a rich, textured palate of stone fruits and wild herbs with the Saar's signature electric acidity and a long, saline finish.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Located in the historic viticultural commune of Wiltingen along the Saar River, Van Volxem traces its heritage back to a Roman estate and later a Jesuit monastery before being acquired and revitalized by Roman Niewodniczanski in 1999. Under his stewardship, the estate has reclaimed its status as a premier producer, focusing on historic, steep-slope grand cru vineyards such as Scharzhofberger, Wiltinger Gottesfuss, and Kanzemer Altenberg. The winery is dedicated to traditional, artisanal practices, utilizing extremely low yields from ancient, often ungrafted vines, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and aging in traditional large oak fuder casks. This meticulous, terroir-centric philosophy yields highly expressive, mineral-driven Rieslings that beautifully balance rich textures with the Saar's signature vibrant acidity.