Zilliken – Saarburger Rausch GG 2023 – Grosses Gewächs from the Saar
The Zilliken Saarburger Rausch GG 2023 is a dry, elegant Riesling from the VDP.GROSSE LAGE, the steep Saarburger Rausch vineyard. The grapes grow on a soil formation characterized by Devonian slate and diabase. Diabase is a basalt-flint that produces a very distinct, unmistakable minerality. Following a selective hand-harvest of the best parcels planted with old, own-rooted vines, the grapes are whole-cluster pressed and spontaneously fermented in the old cellar beneath the new vinotheque, with aging taking place in neutral Fuder casks. This delicate yet profound Zilliken Riesling exudes a subtle aroma of ripe melon, fresh lemon cream, and floral summer meadows, joined by a herbal note; on the palate, there is mandarin, candied lemon, and tropical passion fruit, along with a gripping acidity that is further topped by a mineral saltiness. The incredibly long finish of this dreamlike wine from a magnificent vintage hints at how much potential lies dormant in this Grosses Gewächs. In 10 years, we will know.
Saarburger Rausch GG 2023 – a wine and its values
- 12% alcohol
- 8.4g/l residual sugar
- 7.2g/l acidity
Zilliken Riesling – awarded
- 95+ points John Gilman
- 94 points Robert Parker
- 93 points Falstaff
- 92 points Eichelmann
- 91 points Vinum
- 90 points Gault Millau
Even though the Zilliken Riesling Saarburger Rausch is delightful when young, it only shows its full capabilities after 10–20 years of bottle aging. We store older vintages from the Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken estate that already possess this maturity. Or you can practice patience, for the future of the Zilliken Auslese looks bright.
Incidentally, our storage facility is cooled in summer and warmed in winter by a geothermal heat pump powered by a photovoltaic system, ensuring the wine can mature optimally.
The 2023 vintage on the Saar
A mild spring woke the vines from their winter slumber early. The dry weather conditions provided ideal prerequisites for a smooth flowering. In July and August, the long-awaited rainfall provided the necessary water supply for the vines, allowing them to thrive vigorously. We began the selective hand-harvest as early as September 25, 2023 – unusually early.
Thanks to this meticulous manual labor, only the best grapes from our steep slopes reached the winery for pressing. During the harvest, the weather also played along: cool nights and moderate daytime temperatures ensured that the grapes could retain their fresh acidity.
We were able to finish the harvest on October 18 – just in time before the persistent rain set in.
