At a glance

Producer

Weingut Willi Schaefer

Region

Mosel, Germany

Grape variety

Riesling

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

$65-$95

Tasting profile

Honeyed stone fruits, apricot, ripe citrus, complex petrol hints emerging

Evolution: Increasing petrol, spice, and mineral complexity over years with balanced sweetness and acidity

At peak: Harmonious integration of sweetness and acidity with layered complexity of honey, dried fruits, mineral slate, and subtle smokiness

Structure

Acidity

High, crisp and vibrant

Tannins

None (white Riesling)

Alcohol

Approx. 7.5-8.5% ABV

Aging potential

20+ years, especially in great vintages such as 2018

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2043

Optimal window

2025 to 2046

Current status

Very young, developing complexity

Current condition

Bright acidity supports aging; currently vibrant with residual sweetness balancing crispness.

This is a high-quality Auslese from one of Mosel's top producers, Weingut Willi Schaefer, specializing in slow-maturing Rieslings. The 2018 vintage was highly rated, allowing for prolonged aging potential due to balanced ripeness and acidity.

Food pairing

Spicy Asian cuisine, foie gras, blue cheese, fruit-based desserts, or simply enjoyed as a contemplative sipping wine.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C / 50-54°F

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Sustainable farming focusing on minimal intervention, natural yeast fermentation, energy-efficient cellar operations, and water conservation measures

Weingut Willi Schaefer is known for sustainable vineyard practices on steep, slate soils requiring careful manual work, minimizing chemical inputs. Energy use is optimized in cellar climate control. While export transportation adds carbon footprint, local production and natural farming methods reduce overall environmental impact.