Spring has sprung and I have finally found a few moments to write a post. With the sun shining and a glass of Rheingau Riesling by my side, I feel like writing a few words about some of August Kesseler winery wines. First off, what fantastic labeling they have! Really uncomplicated, bold, modern, colourful, simplistic, eye-catching, and fun.
The August Kesseler winery resides in the village of Assmannshausen in the Rheingau, with its vineyards located in Assmannshausen, Rüdesheim and Lorch. Assmannshausen is known for high quality red wines in this otherwise predominately white wine Riesling wine region of Germany.
I attended a tasting of August Kesseler wines a little while back and wrote down some tasting notes of the 7 wines provided. Allow be to stretch my currently much under worked tasting note writing muscle as I try my best to describe these wines.
One
2014 Saignée
Saignée, French for “bleeding”, is a rosé made purely from red wine (no mixing). It is taken as mash directly following the red wine pressing, allowing the remaining red wine increased skin contact concentration during maceration, while the rosé wine is fermented separately. Ok, lesson over. This rosé punches full force with strawberry, raspberry and cassis aromas, and a refreshing hit of acidity. A paradox in a bottle – the dry and fruity characteristics of this wine makes it the perfect summer sipper, yet its juicy, full-flavoured elegance and power calls for a brisk autumn evening meal accompaniment. A most versatile rosé to enjoy anytime.
Two
2012 Pinot Noir “N”
Lightly oaked with 2.4-4g of total acidity, this low acid Pinot Noir is mellow and easy-drinking. Bordering on too simplistic, this wine relies on its classic cold climate Pinot Noir sour cherry and red current fruits.
Three
2011 Pinot Noir
This is the epitome of how an Assmannshausen Pinot Noir should taste. Less sour cherry, more berries and deep, mineral elegance. Aged significantly in oak barrels, stewed fruits dominate, adding a sweet quality to this dry wine.
Four
2013 “Cuvée Max” Pinot Noir
Confronting the taster with a wild, untamed nose, this heavy-weighted, pricey PInot Noir jumps around on the tongue. Dominant tannins and a dark smokiness play along side a subtler sour cherry and cassis light fruitiness. This Big Red aches to be tamed by the invitation of food.
Five
2013 “Lorsch” Riesling
The Lorsch terroir and extreme minerality exude from this dry Riesling, as notes of honey, white pear, peach, green apple and citric grapefruit unfold on the palette sip after sip.
Six
2014 “Rüdesheim” Riesling
Dim hints of stone fruits, cassis, prune and canned peach provoke the senses upon first meeting. A hit of anise and a floral character follow. Slate on the nose, acidity and soft minerality on the tongue, and a clean finish round out this atypical Riesling.
Seven
2006 “530.3” Riesling
Honouring the kilometre marker to Holland in the Rheingau River, this golden-coloured Spätlese with 60g sugar is looking good for its age. After 10 years, the expected petrol aromas are soft and the viscosity moderate. This drinks like a sweet, if yet otherwise, normal wine. Dried apricots and dried pineapple are pronounced and delightful, but most exciting perhaps is the – wait for it – while chocolate flavour that lingers on the palette.
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