Wittmann Aulerde Riesling GG 2020
Aulerde is Wittmann's warmest site. Westhofen's southern to south-eastern vineyard slopes rise from the glacial valley of the Rhine to the rim of a high plateau. The Aulerde vineyard lies at the foot of the protective eastern and southeast-facing slopes of the Kirchspiel site. The vines here face slightly south. The upper layers of a small portion of Aulerde are heavy clayish marl with only a very small amount of limestone. Wittmann's Riesling grows where the subsoil contains clayey or gravelly sand.
Stunning nose of pineapple and mirabelle that’s still so youthful. Concentrated and energetic with great mineral vitality and salty intensity. From vines planted in 1949 and 1951. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2023. 95 points. Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com October 2021
Wittmann's 2020 Aulerde GG proves again that this deep vineyard can have grand cru level in certain vintages, namely the dry and sunny ones. This one opens deep, clear and elegant, with a dusty chalk/clay bouquet intertwined with fine and citric spiciness. Juicy, spicy and piquant on the palate, with fine phenolic grip and a firm and salty, long and elegant finish, this is a terrific, expressive Aulerde and another highlight from this Westhofen terroir after Wittmann's 2019. Tasted in Wiesbaden at the end of August 2021. 94 points. Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate September 2021
Whereas others may be looking for more mineral or herbal interpretation, Philipp Wittmann never loses sight of fruit and the Aulerde focuses on citrus and stone fruit, nicely complemented by gentle smoky and chalky nuances. Quite full bodied and generous on the palate, grapefruit with pith piquancy, restrained acidity, getting a little tauter towards the finish with an earthy mineral element. 17.5/20 Michael Schmidt, jancisrobinson.com August 2021