Schloss Johannisberg 'Gelblack' Riesling 2023 (100ml) - from magnum

Schloss Johannisberg is one of the Rheingau’s crown jewels and a landmark in the history of Riesling. The estate sits atop a steep, south-facing hill overlooking the Rhine and has grown Riesling exclusively for more than 300 years.

It is credited with pioneering the concept of spätlese in the eighteenth century, a moment that helped define German wine. Today the team produce a full spectrum of styles, all marked by precision, minerality and a serene sense of balance.

Schloss Johannisberg is a benchmark for how expressive and ageworthy Riesling can be when grown on a truly great site.

Wine in Germany traces back to the Romans, with monasteries later refining vineyard sites along the Mosel and Rhine.

Germany’s wine culture is defined by precision, steep slopes and a deep respect for regional character. Its quality framework is built around the Prädikat system, which highlights origin and ripeness levels rather than strict stylistic rules. Riesling is the country’s star, delivering everything from razor sharp dry wines to expressive, sweeter styles. Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), is increasingly celebrated and relevant as a worthy alternative to Burgundy, alongside varieties such as Graüburgunder (Pinot Gris) and Müller Thurgau. From the slate rich Mosel to the warmer vineyards of Baden and Pfalz, Germany offers purity, balance and a strong sense of place shaped by climate and geology.

The Rheingau is one of Germany’s most respected wine regions and a destination for Riesling. Steep south-facing slopes along the Rhine help the grape ripen fully while keeping its hallmark acidity, resulting in wines that are aromatic precise and driven. The region also produces a small amount of Pinot Noir which shows a clean focused style. Winemaking here balances tradition with modern techniques all aimed at capturing purity and freshness.

The Rheingau’s combination of climate soil and long-established vineyard sites makes it a consistent source of structured age-worthy Riesling.