Notes from the Producer: The Schellenbrunnen vineyard is eight hectares (nearly 20 acres) in size and lies directly above the wine village of Tiefenbach. It is the Heitlinger estate’s solely owned Riesling site. It is a steep, south-facing vineyard with a slope of 60% (or more) and planted with mature vines (on average, 40 years old). The soils are very barren and consist of ferrous colored marl; in the uppermost portion of the site there is also some Stubensandstein, an ancient sandstone. Of particular note is the site’s special topographic situation within a chain of hills open to the wind at a height of up to 260 m/ca. 850 ft.
The grapes are gently havested by hand, carefully sorted; and after several days of skin contact, slowly pressed. Schellenbrunnen wines are marked by a combination of delicate, ripe yellow fruit with an underlying mineral structure and a lively acidity. On the nose it is reminiscent of peach, apricot, lime, and mint. Drinking temperature: 8-10°C/46.4-50°F