At a glance

Producer

Willi Schaefer

Region

Mosel, Germany

Grape variety

Riesling

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

$55-$75

Tasting profile

Intense aromas of ripe stone fruits, citrus, slate minerality, and delicate floral notes; medium sweet palate with refreshing acidity

Evolution: Develops complex petrol notes and honeyed nuances over time; minerality becomes more pronounced

At peak: Harmonious balance between sweetness, acidity, and minerality with expansive aromatic complexity

Structure

Acidity

High, crisp and vibrant

Tannins

None (typical for Riesling)

Alcohol

Approximately 8.5-9.5% ABV

Aging potential

Excellent, 15+ years due to balance of acidity, residual sugar, and terroir expression

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2044

Optimal window

2022 to 2047

Current status

Drinking well now; early stage of optimal drinking window

Current condition

Fresh acidity with developing complexity; vibrant fruit and mineral notes

Willi Schaefer’s Graacher Domprobst Spätlese is sourced from one of Mosel’s premier sites known for slate soils which impart intense minerality and longevity. The wine’s inherent high acidity and residual sugar interact to ensure a long aging trajectory, typical of top Mosel Rieslings. The 2019 vintage’s quality supports a drinking window extending beyond 2030, with the wine reaching aromatic and textural complexity at peak maturity.

Food pairing

Pairs beautifully with spicy Asian cuisine, foie gras, rich seafood dishes, pork with fruit sauces, and aged cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

8-10°C (46-50°F)

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Minimal intervention winemaking, low chemical input in vineyards, traditional practices emphasizing soil health and biodiversity

Willi Schaefer employs sustainable vineyard management prioritizing ecosystem health with reduced pesticide use and minimal intervention in winery. The estate is small and focuses on quality rather than volume, contributing to lower carbon footprint per bottle. While lacking formal organic or biodynamic certification, their practices align with strong environmental stewardship consistent with Mosel standards.