# Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Grosses Gewächs (2022)

- **Producer:** Weingut Van Volxem
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Mosel, Germany
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €40
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, apricot, apple, pear, lemon, grapefruit, blossom, butter, cream, honey, dried apricot

## About this wine

Weingut Van Volxem, located in the historic town of Wiltingen on the Saar, is one of Germany's most prestigious estates. Led by Roman Niewodniczanski, the estate focuses on restoring the Saar's reputation for producing world-class, terroir-driven Rieslings. The Ockfener Bockstein is a legendary steep, south-facing vineyard characterized by Devonian slate soils, which impart a distinct mineral character. This Grosses Gewächs (Grand Cru) represents the pinnacle of dry Riesling from this historic site, showcasing the unique microclimate and ancient soils of the Saar.

## Interesting facts

- The Ockfener Bockstein is a steep, south-facing amphitheater vineyard with slopes up to 60% incline.
- Owner Roman Niewodniczanski is a passionate historian who meticulously researches old Prussian vineyard classification maps.
- Van Volxem utilizes traditional 1,000-liter oak casks called 'Fuder' to age their premium dry Rieslings.

## Food pairing

The high acidity and vibrant minerality of this dry Riesling cut through rich, fatty dishes like pork belly or buttery seafood, while its intense fruit profile can balance mild aromatic spices in Asian cuisine.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested by hand from old vines in the steep Ockfener Bockstein vineyard. Vinification follows traditional, low-intervention methods. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using indigenous yeasts in large, neutral oak casks (Fuder) and stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged on its fine lees for several months to build texture, complexity, and stability, without the use of artificial fining agents.