Riesling Porphyry – 2023

Riesling Porphyr from volcanic rock, cool and mineral

The 2023 Steitz Riesling Porphyr is a dry organic white wine from the Steitz winery in Rheinhessen, grown on volcanic porphyry around Neu-Bamberg. Spontaneously fermented with minimal intervention. Not a soft-washed Riesling, but a sharp statement of origin.

Steitz Riesling Porphyr 2023 is a cool, mineral organic white wine from the Steitz winery in Rheinhessen, grown on volcanic porphyry rock. Spontaneously fermented and vinified with a keen sense for origin, this Riesling displays salty, smoky depth and precise fruit. What was once a village wine is today a true terroir statement with a new signature style. Engage with a wine that has a clear identity.

Peach, citrus and salty, smoky depth

The Riesling draws its clear minerality, salty, smoky depth, and cool tension on the palate from the volcanic porphyry. You can taste the soil in every sip. It is a Riesling that sugarcoats nothing and is all the more convincing for it.

This is complemented by harmonious fruit notes of peach, yellow apple, a touch of citrus, and herbal freshness. Salty, smoky, and mineral, this Riesling is lean and precise, with fine acidity and a long finish. Not a loud speaker, but a wine with character and substance.

With fish, seafood and vegetables

Riesling Porphyr pairs well with delicate fish dishes, seafood, and roasted vegetables—anything that appreciates freshness and salinity. Its cool tension also stands up to spicy flavors without losing its clarity. It also makes a fine impression with sushi or mild goat cheese.

It is best enjoyed at 11 to 12 degrees in a large glass that allows it to breathe. If you would like to continue exploring the family's Porphyr line, reach for the Heerkretz Riesling or browse through our German white wines.

Christian and Finn Steitz and the porphyry

With son Finn, a breath of fresh air has entered the winery, and the former village wine has been consistently further developed. Today, the focus is on terroir, not a polished stylistic approach, and the new, puristic label reflects this change. Father and son are pulling in the same direction.

The grapes come from young vines on the west side of the Heerkretz site, one of the coolest and rockiest locations in Rheinhessen, characterized by volcanic porphyry. Christian Steitz farms the soils regeneratively, with biodiversity-rich cover crops, compost teas, gentle pruning, manual leaf removal, and hand harvesting.

After several hours of skin contact, the grapes are pressed gently. The wine undergoes unbridled spontaneous fermentation with full lees and matures in large "Hösch" oak barrels until May, before being bottled without additives or fining in September 2024. Uncompromising origin, says Finn Steitz, and that is exactly what you taste in the glass. If you would like to discover more, you can find other organic wines from the Steitz winery with us.

It reveals more with the second sip

Eleven to twelve degrees and a large glass allow the minerality of this Riesling from porphyry to breathe. It is a pleasure to drink now, but a few years of bottle aging will serve it well. With the second sip, this Riesling reveals even more of itself, so take your time with it. A wine for people who appreciate edges and corners.

Riesling Porphyr – a wine and its values

• Origin: Wine from Germany
• Region: Rheinhessen
• Classification: Village wine, Neu-Bamberg
• Grape variety: Riesling
• 12% vol alcohol
• 7.2 g/l acidity
• 3.9 g/l residual sugar

Organic certification body DE-ÖKO-039 – German Agriculture