Meinert ‘German Job’ Riesling 2024

Meinert ‘German Job’ Riesling 2024

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-harvested on the morning of 21 February and transported to Devon Valley under refrigerated conditions prior to processing. Bunches were whole-bunch pressed, this being a more oxidative process where very limited oxygen uptake during pressing refines the angular elements of Riesling expressed the palate. Thereafter we go full reductive vinification, where all oxygen is excluded from the must through copious additions of dry ice. Once settled, the must is fermented in tank with natural/endemic yeasts ensuring the purest expression of our terroir. Fermentation lasted 7-weeks eventually stopping of its own accord with a residual sugar of 10g/L, this ensuring perfect palate balance.   Only 3199 bottles made.

Tasting Notes

Offers delicate aromas of white peach, passionfruit, and quince, leading to a vibrant palate where green apple brightness and juicy acidity create harmony. Lees contact adds a subtle creamy texture and fullness to the mouthfeel. The finish is clean and refreshing, showcasing precise balance and a lingering mineral character.

Analysis

Alcohol: 12.5 %
Residual Sugar: 6.5 g/l
Total Acidity: 6.7 g/l
pH: 3.12
Wine of Origin: Elgin

Vineyards

Situated high up the slopes of the Groenlandberg mountains overlooking Elgin, this pristine block of Riesling embodies cool climate viticulture. A dense leaf canopy ensures the bunches are well protected from sunlight to prevent overblown terpene notes, while also creating a healthy environment for the development of Botrytis cinerea or Noble Rot, this adding depth and complexity to the wine. Regenerative viticulture is one of the key cornerstones of our viticultural philosophy, this achieved through cover crop rotation; the use of natural predators to control pests and mulching to improve soil water retention and biodiversity.

Special Note

Meinert Wines, under the watchful eye of Brendan Butler, produce a unique and personalized range of wines, the German Job Riesling fitting this brief to a tee. Made under our Family Collection range, this small batch bottling is an expressive and vibrant Riesling, the inspiration of which is drawn from the classics of the Old World – Germany, in particular Mosel and Rheingau. Its name, ‘German Job’ Riesling, emphasizes that it is indeed Riesling of German origin (Weisser or Rhine) and not Cape Riesling (Crouchen Blanc), which is otherwise rather neutral and vinous and typically used in brandy production.  Our first vintage, the 2012, found many converts and followers, and encouraged me to meet the challenge of this expressive yet tricky grape.  And the excitement continues with each vintage.