# Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett (2022)

- **Producer:** Weingut Meulenhof
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Mosel, Germany
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 9.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, peach, pineapple, lemon, apricot, honey, petrol

## About this wine

Weingut Meulenhof is a historic estate located in the village of Erden in the Middle Mosel, with roots dating back to 1337 when it was a farm for the Cistercian monastery of Machern. Since 1990, it has been meticulously managed by Stefan Justen. The estate is renowned for its holdings in the legendary Erdener Treppchen vineyard, characterized by extremely steep slopes of 50% to 80% incline. The unique terroir combines Devonian blue slate with iron-rich red slate (Rotliegend), giving the wines a distinctively savory, muscular mineral core. Meulenhof remains a proud member of the Bernkasteler Ring, dedicated to preserving the traditional, classic style of Mosel Riesling.

## Interesting facts

- The vineyard name 'Treppchen' means 'little staircase,' referring to stone steps carved into the steep cliffs by Roman farmers.
- Meulenhof's roots trace back to 1337, when it served as a farm and mill for the Cistercian monastery of Machern.
- The estate's steep vineyards feature ungrafted Riesling vines up to 80 years old, protected by dense slate soils.

## Food pairing

The natural residual sweetness of this Kabinett acts as a perfect foil for spicy dishes, taming the heat of chili and spices, while its vibrant, racy acidity cuts through rich textures and cleanses the palate. The wine's light body and intense aromatics complement delicate seafood and fresh cheeses without overpowering them.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Meulenhof follows a 'less is more' philosophy to allow the authentic terroir to shine. Grapes are harvested entirely by hand on the steep stone-stepped slopes. In the cellar, the fruit undergoes gentle gravity-fed processing and natural settling. Fermentation is temperature-controlled and carried out using ambient and selected yeasts to preserve the delicate primary fruit aromas. The wine is aged predominantly in traditional 1,000-liter neutral oak casks, known as Fuder, in the deep, cool cellars of Erden. This slow, traditional aging process enhances the wine's texture and structural complexity while maintaining its vibrant, natural acidity.