At a glance

Producer

Weingut Dönnhoff

Region

Nahe, Germany

Grape variety

Riesling

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

$60-$90 per bottle

Tasting profile

Classic ripe stone fruits, honeyed notes, citrus peel, and petrol nuances emerging

Evolution: Fruit will mature towards dried apricot and honey; petrol and mineral notes gain complexity

At peak: Balanced sweetness and acidity with layered complexity showing minerality and floral hints

Structure

Acidity

High, vibrant acidity typical of Nahe Riesling

Tannins

None to negligible (white Riesling)

Alcohol

8-9.5% ABV typical for Auslese wines with residual sugar

Aging potential

20+ years due to balance of acidity, sugar, and concentration

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2050

Optimal window

2024 to 2053

Current status

Approaching early maturity but still youthful with strong aging potential

Current condition

Youthful with pronounced fruit and sweetness; acidity supports long-term aging

The 2018 vintage at Dönnhoff was warm and ripe, producing rich fruit with good acidity. Combined with the Auslese level of ripeness, this waxy sweet wine needs time for secondary and tertiary flavors to develop while the high acidity preserves freshness, enabling a long maturation period of 20+ years.

Food pairing

Ideal with spiced Asian cuisine, foie gras, rich cheeses (e.g. blue cheese), pâté, or dessert with stone fruits.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Sustainable viticulture with low chemical intervention, integrated pest management, use of native yeasts, and energy-efficient winery operations

Weingut Dönnhoff is a highly regarded producer focused on ecological balance and low-impact winegrowing. Their organic certification and sustainable practices reflect commitment to soil health and biodiversity. Their packaging is relatively lightweight glass, and energy use is optimized in their modern facilities. Distribution is primarily Europe-centered with some export markets, moderately increasing transported emissions.