Biodynamic. RWØ stands for Riesling Wolfreben Zero Input. This experimental cuvée is sourced from a parcel of biodynamic Riesling lying between Weinbach’s Clos des Capucins vineyard and the village of Kaysersberg. The soils are similar to the Capucins, composed of sand/silt soil on granite pebbles. This terroir ripens earlier than the hillsides, producing wines with complex aromatics and exuberant concentration. The wine is vinified in a similar way to the domaine’s traditional Rieslings, but here the fruit was whole-bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel (no oak) with zero additions, then bottled after 10 months on lees.
One thing is for sure, this does not want for character. Iridescent aromas of citrus, salinity and savoury herbs vie for attention, alongside a more rocky, earthy appeal. Again, there is the power of the vintage, here lit from behind with graceful acidity and grippy, phenolic tension. It’s pulpy, mouth-watering and long, and clearly made with the thoroughness that defines all the wines from this great domaine. A wine of fine balance and complex, unique character.