Tasting note
Aromatic Riesling, complex and dense with aromas of earth, spice and red slate; flavours of apple and pear, great purity and a hint of beeswax.
Viticulture
Karthauser is a small, 3.5 ha vineyard shaped like an amphitheater above Laubenheim. South-facing, 35-year-old vines benefit from sun and temperatures between 5°C - 30°C. Deep red sandstone soil retains heat, allowing early ripening. High iron content results in spicy, complex, mineral wines. 6000 vines per hectare yield 53hl/ha.
Vinification
Grapes destemmed, skin contact 4-8 hours, pneumatic press used. Fermentation starts in stainless steel with wild and cultured yeast, lasting 40 days at 12-15°C. Lees contact with regular battonage for 6-12 weeks. No oak ageing; Martin Tesch preserves the wine's character and terroir, true to his belief that Riesling needs no amplification.
Food Match
Fennels, salad cream, dishes with herbs, Indian dim sum, tandoori chicken, curries.