Von Winning Kirchenstuck Riesling Grosses Gewachs Pfalz 2021 750ml

The 2021 Von Winning Kirchenstück Riesling Grosses Gewächs  is a top-tier dry Riesling from the renowned Pfalz region in Germany. Weingut von Winning, based in Deidesheim, is highly regarded for producing some of Germany's finest dry Rieslings, with a focus on premier sites like this one. They emphasize low-intervention winemaking, including spontaneous fermentation in large oak barrels (500L) and extended lees aging (often 24 months on gross lees), which adds complexity, texture, and subtle oak influence without overpowering the fruit.

Vineyard and Style

• Vineyard: Forster Kirchenstück — one of Germany's most prestigious and valuable sites (often called the most expensive vineyard in the country). Located in Forst an der Weinstraße, it's a small, walled parcel adjacent to the village church (hence "Kirchenstück"). The unique microclimate benefits from heat-retaining sandstone walls and airflow that keeps it dry and warm. Soils are complex: sandy clay, clay marl, loam, limestone rubble, and basalt, contributing minerality, power, and elegance.
• Style: This is a Grosses Gewächs (GG), the German equivalent of Grand Cru — dry, powerful, structured, and built for aging. Von Winning's versions tend to be full-bodied, rich, and dense, balancing intensity with finesse. Alcohol is typically around 13%. It's trocken (dry) but shows ripe fruit concentration from the warm Pfalz climate.

Tasting Notes and Reviews (for the 2021 Vintage)

The 2021 vintage in Pfalz was generally excellent for Riesling, with good acidity and balance. Specific notes on this wine include:

• Aromas of white peach, yellow apple, apricot, citrus (lemon/yellow citrus), pear, floral hints, currant leaf, and a mineral/saline base. Some reviews mention subtle tropical touches like pineapple or mango in riper expressions, plus gentle oak/smoke or vanilla influence from barrel aging.
• On the palate: Precise, elegant, and poised with vibrant acidity, richness, density, and a long, harmonious, saline-mineral finish. It's intense and powerful yet fine, with rejuvenating salinity and no excess drama. Full-bodied with a creamy texture, but balanced and not heavy.
• Critic/user impressions highlight its combination of power/finesse, minerality, and aging potential. It's often described as impressive, with great structure for cellaring.