Melsheimer 'Reiler Mullay-Hofberg Sekt Brut NV'

Rieslings of the pleasant traditional kind, quiet and profound. Thorsten is a mega passionate and incredibly likeable winemaker. Relaxed yet clearly knowing what he's doing. He was one of the first to work biodynamically for almost 30 years in a very conservative provincial environment. Since 2022, he has been assisted by his son Jannis, who gained knowledge (and a winemaking girlfriend) freely outside the Mosel to return wholeheartedly to the family estate. Jannis handles the vineyard, Thorsten the cellar. Melsheimer's core is the almost complete ownership of the Mullay Hofberg, a vineyard that has been documented since 1143. With the help of stars, moon, goats, and chickens, the vineyard is managed and cultivated. From basic Riesling to top cuvée, everything is harvested by hand on the steep, south-east facing slate, which also contains a significant dose of quartz (giving a more spicy, smoky character). In the cellar, fermentation takes place in large old wooden barrels with spontaneous fermentation. With the exception of sulfites during racking, no additives are used. The wines may not be as 'bright' as those fermented in stainless steel by other producers, says Thorsten, but they are certainly just as original, deep, earthy, understated, and beautiful. Some barrels ferment in the cold, cool, damp cellar for 3 years or longer. So no additives! These end up as cuvée 'Lentum'. We bought the last bottles of 2018, which were only bottled last year, available from Friday at Lof in the shop along with 'gewoon droog' (simply dry) and delicious sparkling wines. According to Vinum, he is among the best producers in the Mosel. And according to us, of course.

Description: Lively and fresh, lime, lemon peel, apple, pear, peach, yeast, a hint of toast.

Pairs well with: Aperitif, fresh desserts, sushi, white fish ceviche, fresh cheese.