August Kesseler, Assmannshäusen Pinot Noir VDP Ortswein, Rheingau, Germany, 2022

Producer Profile

When August Kesseler took over the company, founded in 1924, from his parents, he was just 19 years old.

At the time a 2.5-hectare large barrel wine business in the Rheingau and he worked hard to achieve an enviable international reputation, which has continued to today. Located in the Pinot Noir heartland of Assmannshäusen, in one of the most prestigious wine growing areas for Riesling - the Rheingau, August Kesseler have some of the best Pinot Noir and Riesling sites that the lower and middle Rheingau have to offer spread over 32.5 hectares.

Viticulture

Grounded in the unique terroir of Assmannshäusen, the wine's soil signature is unmistakable. Slate and quartzite soils impart a distinctive minerality, adding layers of complexity and depth to this Pinot Noir. A true expression of the region's terroir.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand-picked and go through a second selection in the cellar. Each parcel is vinified separately. Shortly before bottling the cuvée is assembled. Matured in barriques in their double stored cellar dug out of the rock and dating from 1792.

Oak Ageing

Time: 18 Months
Type: French Barrique
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 100

Tasting Note

Very typical terroir from Assmannshäusen, fine, elegant, mineral and herbaceous, virtually a copy of the terroir of the world-famous Pinot Noir stronghold. Ripe blackberries, ripe sweet cherries, full-bodied and present on the palate, great finish with recognisable acidity. A local wine that lives up to its name.

Food Matching

Grilled salmon, roasted duck, or classic coq au vin. Even a wild mushroom risotto.