2016 Tesch Riesling Trocken Krone Nahe 750 ml

The Wine Advocate declared: “Martin Tesch is one of the most interesting producers in Germany.” 

Tesch crafts some of the most poised, mineral-filled, chiseled dry Riesling in Europe—but for most collectors, there’s a catch. “Tesch’s Rieslings need at least five to seven years to reveal their true class,” continued Wine Advocate. “These are age-worthy wines that gain enormous complexity with bottle age.” 

The 2016 vintage produced wines that were especially stern on release, and this Trocken has blossomed into a star. It shows a beautiful gold color, aromas of Meyer lemon and apple intertwined with slate, white blossoms, and beeswax, plus a sleek and vibrant palate. 

This bottling is entirely from the Laubenheimer Krone vineyard, which is ranked as an Erste Lage (aka Premier Cru) by the Nahe’s VDP, the most prestigious grower association. It was shepherded from budbreak to bottle by one of Germany’s historic wineries.

Weingut Tesch was founded three centuries ago, in 1723, and has been tending vines in the heart of the Nahe region ever since, acquiring land in some of the area’s most coveted crus. The Krone vineyard is primarily weathered red sandstone, offering excellent drainage and producing a wine of exceptional purity and racy intensity.

It’s hard to think of a white-wine-friendly meal this wouldn’t improve. We’ve enjoyed it with everything from a Little Gem salad studded with radishes, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese to a char-broiled branzino stuffed with fennel, lemon, and herbs. This category of wine can’t stay a value like this for much longer—the quality is too obvious and the prices are stunningly low. Enjoy while you can!