At a glance

Producer

Weingut Zilliken

Region

Saar, Mosel, Germany

Grape variety

Riesling

Wine type

White

Body

Medium-bodied and Fruity

Sweetness

Sweet

Typical price

$40-60 USD

Tasting profile

Ripe stone fruits (peach, apricot), citrus zest, floral notes, slate and mineral undertones.

Evolution: Over 5-10 years, develops honeyed richness, petrol nuance, complex minerality.

At peak: Balanced intensity of fruit and minerality with creamy texture and lingering vibrant acidity.

Structure

Acidity

High, crisp, driving backbone

Tannins

None (white Riesling)

Alcohol

11.5-12.5%

Aging potential

Excellent, 20+ years due to high acidity, quality, and traditional Mosel winemaking

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2051

Optimal window

2021 to 2054

Current status

Ideal for drinking but with substantial aging potential

Current condition

Fresh with youthful vibrancy showing citrus, stone fruit and mineral notes

The 2019 vintage in Saarburger Rausch is a warm vintage with ripe fruit concentration balanced by the vineyard’s unique terroir. This wine’s high natural acidity combined with residual sugar gives excellent longevity, allowing it to unfold complex tertiary aromas and flavors over 15-20 years or more.

Food pairing

Ideal with spicy Asian cuisine, rich seafood dishes, foie gras, pork with fruit sauces, and strong cheeses like Munster or Stilton.

Serving

Serving temperature

10-12°C (50-54°F)

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Weingut Zilliken employs sustainable farming methods such as minimal chemical interventions, careful canopy management, and soil conservation practices. Energy use is optimized with modern cellar technology, with some emphasis on water use reduction.

While Zilliken does not have formal certifications, their traditional and low-intervention viticulture aims for long-term vineyard health. Moderate carbon footprint and attention to environmental factors put their sustainability score above average but not top-tier.