Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Unterstenberg - Unterstenbersch 'Fass 12' Riesling, Mosel, Germany

2023 Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Unterstenberg – Unterstenbersch Fass 12 Riesling is a vivid reflection of the Saar’s slate-driven terroir, drawn from old vines rooted in the base of the famed Ayler Kupp slope. This site, known as “unter dem berg” or “under the mountain,” gathers centuries of weathered stone and mineral-rich soil washed down from the steep upper terraces, giving the wine its unmistakable depth and salty edge.

Product Details:

• Classification: Dry Riesling (legally trocken, <9 g/L residual sugar)
• Varietal: 100% Riesling, old vines
• Vineyard: Unterstenberg, the lower slope of the Ayler Kupp
• Exposure: South-facing, 170 m elevation gain across the slope
• Soil: Slate-derived, fine weathered fragments rich in minerals
• Harvest: Selective hand-picking, late October into November
• Fermentation: Spontaneous with indigenous yeasts, traditional fuder casks (Fass 12)
• Aging: Extended lees contact, partially supported by bâtonnage
• Alcohol by Volume: 12% 
• Farming: Organic methods without copper use; manual vineyard work on steep slate slopes

Sensory Description:

In the glass, the wine is pale straw with silvery highlights. The nose opens with smoky slate, citrus blossom, and green apple, layered with hints of white peach, fennel, and saline minerality. On the palate, it is dense yet precise, carrying glycerin richness at the core balanced by racy acidity. Subtle creaminess intertwines with notes of lime zest, stone fruit, and savory herbs. A streak of wet slate and sea spray lingers through the long, salty finish, leaving both power and elegance in balance.

Winemaker's Background:

Weingut Peter Lauer, based in Ayl, has been producing Riesling for five generations. Under Florian Lauer’s leadership, the estate has become a benchmark for terroir-expressive Saar wines. Each vineyard parcel is fermented in the same numbered cask year after year, preserving both site character and cellar tradition. Farming practices are rooted in sustainability, avoiding herbicides and heavy machinery, while selective hand harvest ensures purity and precision. Since joining the VDP in 2013, the estate’s dry and off-dry wines from GROSSE LAGE sites like Ayler Kupp and Schonfels have gained international acclaim for their clarity and authenticity.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 10–12 °C in a Riesling or universal white wine glass. Its layered texture and mineral backbone make it an excellent match for grilled white fish, shellfish, herb-roasted poultry, or creamy vegetable dishes. The salty, savory finish also complements soft cheeses or charcuterie. While appealing now with air, this wine will reward patient cellaring over the next 10–15 years as its structure softens and the minerality deepens.

The 2023 Peter Lauer Ayler Kupp Unterstenberg – Unterstenbersch Fass 12 Riesling embodies the meeting of tradition, terroir, and craftsmanship. Complex yet approachable, powerful yet graceful, it is a true testament to the Saar’s enduring reputation for world-class Riesling.