Dönnhoff, Riesling Kabinett, Oberhauser Leistenberg, Nahe, Germany, 2022

Producer Profile

Stretching from Niederhausen to Schloßböckelheim, the majestic landscapes of the Nahe Valley have captured their love and attention for more than 250 years. The first official mention of the Dönnhoff name dates back to 1761; the family‘s own history book details the early flowering of 1781 and the bumper grape harvest of 1784. Helmut Dönnhoff‘s grandfather was the man that first started the estate‘s success, focussing his attention on planting Riesling vines in prized vineyard areas, and by the 1920s was filling his wines into bottles and selling the finest of them by their individual vineyard names. Then came Helmet's son, Hermann Jr. founder of their “Oberhäuser Brücke” site, and responsible for constructing the press house in 1936 and the estate‘s first cellar space.

Stretching from Niederhausen to Schloßböckelheim, the majestic landscapes of the Nahe Valley have captured their love and attention for more than 250 years. The first official mention of the Dönnhoff name dates back to 1761; the family‘s own history book details the early flowering of 1781 and the bumper grape harvest of 1784. Helmut Dönnhoff‘s grandfather was the man that first started the estate‘s success, focussing his attention on planting Riesling vines in prized vineyard areas, and by the 1920s was filling his wines into bottles and selling the finest of them by their individual vineyard names. Then came Helmet's son, Hermann Jr. founder of their “Oberhäuser Brücke” site, and responsible for constructing the press house in 1936 and the estate‘s first cellar space.

Viticulture

The Leistenberg vineyard is located in a small side valley of the Nahe, just outside Oberhausen. Its name carries a double meaning: “Leisten” means “to achieve” in German, and the vineyard truly lives up to this promise. Additionally, “Lei” is a regional term for slate, reflecting the vineyard’s warm, decomposed clay-slate soils. These steep, terraced hillsides create perfect conditions for Riesling to flourish. The southeast-facing slope enjoys the gentle morning sun, which helps dry excess moisture and supports healthy fruit development. The milder afternoon sun allows for a slow ripening process, resulting in moderate alcohol levels. This makes Leistenberg an ideal site for producing Kabinett wines known for their high minerality and refined elegance.

Winemaking

100% hand harvested, fermented and matured in stainless steel vats and large oak barrels

Tasting Note

A traditional, precise Kabinett with delicate slate aromatics. Nuanced finesse and spicy acidity, elegant with a wonderful balance between fine fruit sweetness and firm acidity.

Food Matching

Steamed white fish with lemon and herbs, light seafood salads, or fresh goat cheese.