Willi Schaefer
Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2025
| Denomination | QmP Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Kabinett |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 8.0% by volume |
| Area | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer (Germany) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Riesling |
| Aging | Ageing in acacia barrels. |
- Kabinett style: Light still white with delicate sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity
- Mosel soil: Graacher Himmelreich vineyard on Devonian slate, 50-year-old vines
- Artisanal vinification: Harvested in early October and spontaneous fermentation in acacia barrels
- Aromas and taste: Notes of lime, pear, peach and apple with a persistent mineral and slightly saline finish
- Accolades: 96 points James Suckling, 93 Vinous; 8% vol, ideal with spicy dishes and pork
Description
What type of wine is it
Willi Schaefer's Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett is a still white wine of pure elegance, born in the Mosel. Produced solely from Riesling grapes, it falls within the prestigious Kabinett classification. It stands out for its light texture and a slight sweetness, beautifully balanced by a lively and refreshing acidity. It offers an accessible and fresh profile, with crisp notes of lime, pear and ripe apple, interwoven with elegant mineral nuances. Spontaneous fermentation and maturation in acacia barrels keep the clarity of the aromas and the brightness of the sip intact.
Where does it come from
This Riesling originates from the renowned Graacher Himmelreich vineyard, in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region of Germany. The steep sunny slopes, protected from winds and frosts, ensure excellent and slow ripening of the clusters. The soil rests on a matrix of Devonian slate, essential for giving the sip its incisive mineral imprint. In this dedicated terroir, the winery cultivates century-old ungrafted vines, preserving a historical heritage dating back to 1590. The particular pedoclimatic characteristics of the area are expressed in a sincere and unmistakable way in every glass.
How it is produced
After a rigorous manual harvest carried out at the beginning of October, the process relies on a slow spontaneous fermentation activated exclusively by indigenous yeasts. The entire process takes place in acacia barrels, a wood capable of refining the liquid with extreme delicacy, without ever overpowering the varietal traits of the fruit. The wine naturally harmonises its freshness with the light residual sugar. This artisanal approach fully enhances the citrus scents and provides structure for long ageing, making it perfect for complementing spicy foods, pork, Asian dishes and savoury cheeses.
History and interesting facts
Founded in 1590, the Willi and Christoph Schaefer family winery manages an extremely limited production. Their wines are so highly sought after that they are often entirely pre-ordered even before the harvest. The estate, an illustrious member of the VDP, boasts an invaluable agricultural heritage of century-old ungrafted vines, grown exclusively with Riesling on steep Devonian slate soils. This dedication ensures a unique historical charm and a remarkable ageing potential in the bottle, capable of defying time until 2040.
Awards
-
2025
96/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2025
93/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
10 - 12 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
- Start up year: 1590
- Oenologist: Willi & Christoph Schaefer
- Hectares: 3
| Name | Willi Schaefer Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2025 |
|---|---|
| Type | White green still semi-aromatic |
| Denomination | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer QmP |
| Vintage | 2025 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 8.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Riesling |
| Country | Germany |
| Region | Mosel-Saar-Ruwer |
| Vendor | Willi Schaefer |
| Story | History and interesting facts Founded in 1590, the Willi and Christoph Schaefer family winery manages an extremely limited production. Their wines are so highly sought after that they are often entirely pre-ordered even before the harvest. The estate, an illustrious member of the VDP, boasts an invaluable agricultural heritage of century-old ungrafted vines, grown exclusively with Riesling on steep Devonian slate soils. This dedication ensures a unique historical charm and a remarkable ageing potential in the bottle, capable of defying time until 2040. |
| Origin | Graacher Himmelreich Vineyard, Graach on the Moselle (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer), Germany |
| Soil composition | Devonian slate |
| Harvest | Early October |
| Production technique | Spontaneous fermentation in 1,000-litre acacia barrels with indigenous/natural yeasts; ageing in acacia barrels |
| Wine making | Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous/natural yeasts in 1,000-litre acacia barrels; followed by ageing in acacia barrels. |
| Aging | Ageing in acacia barrels. |
| Year production | 26400 bottles |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |