# Dönnhoff Westhofener Riesling trocken VDP.Ortswein (2024)

- **Producer:** Weingut Dönnhoff
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Rheinhessen, Germany
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, lime, peach, apple, quince, blossom

## About this wine

Born from friendship and resilience, this unique release originated after a severe April 2024 frost destroyed up to 90% of Weingut Dönnhoff's grape buds in the Nahe region. Facing severe loss, winemaker Cornelius Dönnhoff reached out to close friend Philipp Wittmann of Weingut Wittmann in Westhofen, Rheinhessen, whose vineyards were spared. Under a special VDP historic exemption, Wittmann provided organic grapes from top parcels in Kirchspiel and Steingrube, allowing Dönnhoff to harvest, vinify, and bottle this historic cross-regional release under their label.

## Interesting facts

- Created after a devastating April 2024 frost wiped out 90% of Dönnhoff's native crop.
- A historic collaboration between iconic winemakers Cornelius Dönnhoff and Philipp Wittmann.
- Granted a rare VDP exemption allowing Dönnhoff to bottle a Rheinhessen village wine.

## Food pairing

The electric acidity and chalky limestone structure cut effortlessly through rich seafood and tender pork, while bright citrus aromas pair seamlessly with crisp salads and subtle herb marinades.

## Wine making process

The organically farmed grapes were hand-harvested in September 2024 by the Dönnhoff team and transported to their cellars in Oberhausen. The fruit underwent light crushing and gentle low-pressure pressing within two hours of arrival, followed by overnight cold settling. Fermentation occurred spontaneously. The wine matured in a combination of traditional neutral 2,400-liter German oak casks (Doppelstück) and stainless steel tanks to preserve terroir expression and vibrant clarity.