2023 Dr. Thanisch Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Großes Gewächs

Winery

Weingut Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch (Erben Müller-Burggraef) belongs to the historic elite of the Moselle. The history of the winery dates back to the seventeenth century and is inextricably linked to the world-famous Bernkasteler Doctor. For generations, the family has produced Rieslings that are internationally appreciated for their elegance, aging potential, and pronounced terroir expression. The combination of centuries of experience, exceptional vineyards, and a classic winemaking style makes the estate one of the great references of the Moselle. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

The Bernkasteler Doctor is undoubtedly one of the most famous vineyards in Germany. The steep, southwest-facing slope lies directly above Bernkastel-Kues and consists of weathered blue Devonian slate. These poor soils store heat during the day and release it slowly at night, allowing the grapes to ripen optimally. At the same time, the steep location and the cool influence of the Moselle ensure exceptional freshness. The combination of minerality, tension, and aromatic depth makes Bernkasteler Doctor one of the most prestigious terroirs for Riesling.

Grapes and vineyard management

This Großes Gewächs is made from 100% Riesling sourced from carefully selected plots within the Bernkasteler Doctor. The grapes are harvested exclusively by hand, allowing for multiple selection rounds to process only perfectly ripe bunches. The low yields and the advanced age of some of the vines ensure great concentration and a pronounced terroir character. Every grape contributes to the precision and complexity for which this vineyard is known worldwide.

Vinification and aging

After careful pressing, the must ferments slowly under controlled conditions to preserve the pure aromatic expression of Riesling. The wine then ages for a considerable time on the fine lees, creating additional texture and complexity. This sur lie aging gives the wine greater depth without compromising the characteristic freshness of the Mosel. The vinification is entirely focused on letting the terroir speak for itself, with wood playing no dominant role.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a clear light yellow color with sparkling green reflections. On the nose, aromas of lime, grapefruit, white peach, and ripe apple open up, followed by white flowers, wet slate, and subtle spicy nuances. On the palate, the wine is crisp and energetic, with an impressive balance between ripe fruit and lively acidity. The characteristic minerality of the Bernkasteler Doctor runs like a thread through the wine, ensuring a long, refined finish in which citrus, stone fruit, and saline notes come together beautifully.

Style and character

This Großes Gewächs demonstrates why the Bernkasteler Doctor belongs to the absolute world elite. The wine combines power and concentration with striking elegance and precision. Despite its youth, it already shows great tension, but its true complexity will only fully unfold after several years of bottle aging. It is a Riesling with a pronounced mineral signature and impressive aging potential.

Volume

The 2023 vintage in the Mosel produced wines with great aromatic intensity, fresh acidity, and excellent balance. For a terroir like Bernkasteler Doctor, this results in a Riesling with great tension, purity, and aging potential. The alcohol content is expected to be approximately 12.5%. The expected drinking window runs from 2027 to 2048, during which the wine can continue to develop for decades.

Food and wine pairings

This Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Großes Gewächs pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, turbot, sea bass, and other refined fish dishes. It also makes excellent pairings with veal, poultry, Asian dishes with subtle spiciness, and soft white mold cheeses. Furthermore, thanks to its lively acidity and mineral tension, it is an impressive accompaniment to gastronomic menus.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.