Peter Lauer Schonfels 'Fass 11' Grosses Gewachs Riesling, Mosel, Germany

An icon of purity and place, the 2023 Peter Lauer Schonfels ‘Fass 11’ Grosses Gewächs Riesling from Mosel, Germany, showcases the dramatic terroir of one of the Saar’s most exceptional vineyards. This dry, single-vineyard Riesling is sourced from century-old ungrafted vines on steep slate slopes above the Saar River, where intense winds, shallow soils, and high elevation yield grapes of profound intensity and minerality. The result is a wine of laser precision, formidable structure, and boundless complexity.

Product Details:

• Vineyard: Schonfels (Grosse Lage)
• Winemaker/ Owner: Florian Lauer
  
• Cask: Fass 11
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Alcohol: 12%
• Farming: Practicing organic, no copper use
• Fermentation: Spontaneous with native yeasts
• Vinification: Whole-cluster pressing; aged on lees in traditional Fuder casks
• Classification: Grosses Gewächs (Grand Cru Dry)

Sensory Description:

Schonfels GG is Lauer’s most mineral and tightly wound expression, shaped by constant wind exposure and ancient slate. The 2023 vintage bursts with tension and energy—aromas of lime zest, crushed slate, sea spray, and green herbs hover over a palate that is sleek, structured, and searingly pure. Saline, flinty, and tightly coiled in youth, this is a wine built for long aging, gradually revealing notes of citrus oil, white peach, and a mouthwatering mineral core with time.

Winemaker's Background:

Peter Lauer is one of the Saar’s leading purveyors of dry and dry-tasting Rieslings. Fifth-generation winemaker Florian Lauer farms 8 hectares by hand across steep sites, including Ayler Kupp and the majestic Schonfels vineyard. Committed to organic farming without the use of copper, Lauer allows each site to speak through minimalist winemaking, native fermentations, and aging in traditional large-format Fuder casks. His wines are benchmarks for clarity, terroir expression, and aging potential in Germany.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 10–12°C in a white wine glass. This Grosses Gewächs pairs brilliantly with fine seafood, sushi, pork schnitzel, and aged alpine cheeses. Best decanted in youth or cellared to evolve its full spectrum of character over 10–20 years.