# Incline Riesling (2023)

- **Producer:** J & H Selbach
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Mosel, Germany
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 11.5%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, peach, lemon, blossom, honey

## About this wine

J & H Selbach is the négociant label of Weingut Selbach-Oster, a renowned family estate with a winemaking heritage in the Mosel Valley dating back to 1660. Managed by Johannes Selbach alongside his family, the winery is known for crafting authentic Rieslings that capture the unique slate terroir of the region. The Incline cuvée was created to provide a high-quality, approachable benchmark Mosel Riesling. Its name pays tribute to the dramatic, razor-steep slate slopes that define the geography of the Middle Mosel river valley where the fruit is sourced.

## Interesting facts

- The name Incline pays homage to the extraordinarily steep, vertical slate vineyards of the Mosel Valley.
- The Selbach family has been making wine in Germany's Mosel region for over 350 years, starting in 1660.
- Grapes are grown on ancient Devonian blue and red slate soils that impart distinct minerality.

## Food pairing

The elevated acidity and delicate off-dry residual sweetness make this Riesling an outstanding companion for spicy, salty, or sweet-and-savory dishes. The natural acidity cuts through richness and refreshes the palate, while the gentle sweetness softens chili heat.

## Wine making process

Grapes for the 2023 vintage were hand-harvested from steep, vertical slate terraces in the Middle Mosel. To preserve natural varietal purity and pristine acidity, fermentation was conducted at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks using wild ambient yeasts. The wine was aged entirely in stainless steel with zero oak contact before bottling.