Von Winning 'Lime Rift' Sauvignon Blanc, Pfalz, Germany

Lime, crisp pear, and fresh-cut herbs meet a cool limestone character in a bright, finely drawn expression of Sauvignon Blanc. 2023 Von Winning 'Lime Rift' Sauvignon Blanc comes primarily from estate vineyards around Deidesheim, where limestone soils provide the foundation for a wine raised 90% in stainless steel and 10% in used barrels. The restrained élevage reflects von Winning’s broader cellar philosophy, preserving freshness and site expression while allowing measured texture and complexity to develop.

Product Details:

• Owner: Jana Niederberger
• Cellar Master: Kurt Rathgeber
• Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Vineyard Source: Mostly estate vineyards in Deidesheim
• Soil: Limestone
• Fermentation & Élevage: 90% stainless steel and 10% used barrels
• ABV: 12%

Sensory Description:

Fresh citrus, green apple, and pear lead the aromatics, layered with cut grass and subtle herbal tones characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is crisp and vertical, with lively acidity carrying lime and orchard fruit across a firm mineral frame. Limestone gives the wine a cool, stony edge, while the small portion raised in used barrels adds texture without imposing overt oak flavor. The finish remains clean and energetic, balancing citrus freshness, gentle herbal complexity, and mineral persistence.

Winemaker's Background:

Weingut von Winning is based in Deidesheim and has roots in one of the Pfalz’s historic wine estates. After an extended period under the Dr. Deinhard name, the estate returned to the von Winning name with the 2008 vintage. Stephan Attmann assumed management in 2007 and has helped shape a cellar philosophy centered on gentle handling, spontaneous fermentation, gravity flow, and restrained intervention. Today, Jana Niederberger is listed as owner, Attmann as Managing Director, and Kurt Rathgeber as Cellar Master. The estate works an extensive collection of vineyards across Deidesheim, Forst, Ruppertsberg, and neighboring villages, with geology ranging from limestone to sandstone and basalt. Lime Rift applies this site-conscious approach to Sauvignon Blanc, emphasizing the limestone vineyards around Deidesheim through predominantly stainless-steel élevage and a restrained contribution from used wood.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 9 to 11°C in a medium-sized white wine glass to emphasize its citrus, herbal, and mineral definition while allowing the subtle texture from barrel élevage to emerge. Pair with oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, goat cheese, asparagus, herb-driven salads, roast chicken, or vegetable dishes with fresh green herbs. Its bright acidity and limestone structure also make it a refreshing aperitif.