# Riesling "Auf Der Pochel" Trocken (2024)

- **Producer:** Weingut Hanewald-Schwerdt
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Pfalz, Germany
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €9
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, lime, apple, peach, herbaceous, biscuit, bread

## About this wine

Weingut Hanewald-Schwerdt is a family-owned estate in the Pfalz region of Germany, run by cousins Thomas Hanewald and Stephan Schwerdt. As members of the prestigious "Generation Riesling" initiative, they focus on crafting wines that express their unique limestone-rich terroirs with minimal intervention. The name "Auf Der Pochel" refers to the historic stone cairns ("Pochel" in local dialect) built by ancient winegrowers clearing limestone blocks from the fields around Leistadt. The estate itself is located on Pochelstraße, making the name a dual tribute to their physical address and geological heritage.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Pochel' refers to historic stone cairns built by ancient winegrowers clearing limestone blocks from the fields.
- Winemakers Thomas Hanewald and Stephan Schwerdt are members of 'Generation Riesling', representing Germany's top young winemaking talent.
- The vineyards are situated on a unique ancient limestone reef (Kalkriff) in Leistadt, which imparts a distinct mineral and saline character.

## Food pairing

This dry Riesling's high, racy acidity and intense citrus profile act as a perfect palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of fatty fish, pork, or fried foods. Its subtle residual sweetness and vibrant fruit profile can handle moderate spice, making it an excellent match for aromatic Asian cuisine, while its distinct limestone minerality beautifully complements fresh shellfish and tangy goat cheeses.

## Wine making process

Grapes are sustainably farmed and harvested by hand from high-altitude vineyard sites in Bad Dürkheim and Leistadt. After gentle pressing, fermentation takes place under strict temperature control in stainless steel tanks to preserve the pure, vibrant fruit characteristics of the Riesling grape. The wine is aged entirely in stainless steel with no oak contact, undergoing extended fine-lees contact (sur lie) to develop a silky texture and subtle yeasty complexity that beautifully balances the high natural acidity.