Red sandstone vs Slate: a study in soil, structure, and mineral expression
- Dr. Alex Senfter — Terra Ruba 2021 (Rheinhessen, Germany)
- Quint — Wintricher Ohligsberg 2021 (Mosel, Germany)
This is a duel of soil and geology, pitting two iconic German Riesling terroirs against one another. The warm, mineral-rich red sandstone of Rheinhessen meets the razor-sharp precision of Mosel’s steep Devonian slate.
A confrontation of power, texture, and structural acidity—exploring how ancient soils shape the personality of Germany’s flagship variety.
What to expect:
Dr. Alex Senfter Terra Ruba 2021 (Rheinhessen): Grown on the famous Rotliegend (red sandstone and slate) soil formation. Expect a generous, textured profile with rich sun-kissed fruit—ripe apricot, blood orange, and sweet spice—grounded by a deep, warm mineral spine, subtle smokiness, and a long, savory finish.
Quint Wintricher Ohligsberg 2021 (Mosel): Sourced from one of the Middle Mosel’s celebrated steep-slope blue slate sites. Expect electric, ringing acidity paired with intense cool-climate aromatics: crushed flint, wet slate, lime zest, white peach, and a salty, slate-driven mineral tail that lingers for minutes.
Food pairing:
Pan-seared scallops, roasted poultry with mushroom or herb reductions, spicy Asian-inspired seafood dishes, or semi-hard alpine and aged goat cheeses.
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