# Riesling Classic (2022)

- **Producer:** Prinz von Hessen
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** Rheingau, Germany
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 11.5%
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 9–11 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, peach, apple, lime, apricot

## About this wine

The Prinz von Hessen Riesling Classic 2022 is a white wine from Germany's Rheingau region, produced by Weingut Prinz von Hessen. As a VDP.Gutswein, it represents a specific quality tier within the association. The estate, founded in 1957, has a strong focus on Riesling cultivation, with the majority of its vineyards dedicated to this noble grape. The 'Classic' designation indicates a particular balance of residual sugar and acidity, and the 2022 vintage is noted for its classic character. The winery is also committed to sustainability, with wines from this vintage being vegan.

## Interesting facts

- The 'Classic' designation means sugar can be twice the acidity level.
- Prinz von Hessen is a VDP member, a mark of quality for German wine estates.
- Over 90% of the estate's vineyards are planted with Riesling.
- Wines from the 2022 vintage onwards are vegan-certified.

## Food pairing

The wine's lively acidity cuts through the richness of seafood and creamy sauces, while its subtle sweetness balances spicy elements. The citrus notes in the wine complement dishes with lemon or lime, and its minerality harmonizes with the clean flavors of fresh fish and shellfish.

## Wine making process

The Prinz von Hessen Riesling Classic 2022 is produced using fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, a technique chosen to preserve the wine's fresh fruit aromas. Grapes are meticulously selected during harvest, which for the 2022 vintage occurred from late September to late October. The estate's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the distinctiveness of Rheingau terroir through Riesling. The winery is also implementing sustainability practices, with ongoing EU organic certification and vegan classification for wines from the 2022 vintage.