Saar Riesling Ayl Erstes Gewächs No 21 trocken - VDP.Weingut Peter Lauer

This "Erstes Gewächs" (First Growth) from the VDP.Weingut Peter Lauer grows in the heart of the Ayler Scheidterberg – the central part of the mountain, which the VDP included in this lassification in 2022. This very sheltered south-facing exposure ripens long into late autumn, allowing the grapes to develop an unusual aromatic density without losing their typical Saar freshness. The site is characterized by the classic blue Devonian slate around Ayl, which imparts its distinctive salty minerality and fine spice to the Riesling.

In the glass, it presents itself in a bright, radiant straw yellow. In its youth, the nose is dominated by a complex interplay: delicately smoky spice, light floral notes, and a clear hint of salted caramel – with some air, aromas of ripe strawberry and yellow stone fruit open up. On the palate, the wine appears finely balanced and harmonious, with a fruity creaminess that plays around a stony-fresh, dense core. The finish is long, finely peppery, and with a cool, mineral depth.

The wine is produced in the classic Saar style: hand-picked grapes, whole-bunch pressing, spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts from the vineyard, followed by calm maturation on fine lees. Bottled in a dry style, the "Erste Gewächs" presents itself as open and accessible, without losing depth – a high-quality single-vineyard wine that is already enjoyable in its youth and at the same time has enough substance for several years of bottle aging.

A Saar Riesling with charm, spice, and class; already a great pleasure in its youth, it gains further depth with a few years of bottle aging.