Dönnhoff, Riesling Oberhauser Brücke, Auslese Gold Cap, Nahe, Germany (37.5cl.) [RS: 93 g/l], 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 vineyard is located directly opposite the historic Luitpoldbrücke (Luitpold Bridge) near the village of Oberhausen, where the bridge spans the Nahe River. This small parcel benefits from the river’s moderating influence, creating a unique microclimate that shelters the vines and encourages early flowering, resulting in a long growing season ideal for the late-ripening Riesling grape. The vineyard sits on grey slate bedrock overlain by loess loam, providing excellent water retention even during droughts. These factors, combined with the valley’s sheltered position, produce Rieslings of exceptional elegance, structure, and concentration. Additionally, the location is perfect for producing ice wines, as the grapes can naturally freeze on the vine during cold weather. Despite covering just 1.1 hectares, this vineyard is recognised as one of the Nahe’s smallest and most protected single sites.

Tasting Note

An exquisite and rare wine. Ripe mango, papaya, quince, and peach create a vivid interplay of tropical richness and northern charm. Layers of musky, exotic notes and hints of smoky black tea bring depth and complexity, while saline, alkaline, and maritime elements provide a mouthwatering contrast to the wine's opulent fruit core. The texture is lush and almost oily, with a gentle honeyed sheen. The finish is both calming and vibrant, offering a harmonious, lingering impression that is as invigorating as it is refined.

Food Matching

Perfect for fruit based desserts like apple pie or cheesecake, bakewell tart and summer pudding.