Fusser No1 Riesling Reiterpfad 2020

Weingut Fusser is a medium-sized biodynamic estate in Deidesheim, in the heart of Germany’s Pfalz region which has a reputation for top quality dry Riesling and Pinot Noir. The winery is regarded by the local press as one of the most exciting new producers of the region.

Brothers Georg and Martin Fusser studied oenology at Geisenheim, Germany’s top wine school, and returned to the family business, determined to change it from being solely a grape grower to a family winery, making their first full vintage in 2007. They converted the estate to organic viticulture in 2011, and began down the path to full biodynamics a year later in 2012, joining Respekt Biodyn; a group of Austria and Germany’s highest profile and most progressive biodynamic wineries in 2018.

During this time they have expanded the family estate to 16 hectares of vineyards, and while the focus is on producing electrifying dry Riesling, some excellent Pinot Noir is also made. A range of levels is produced, from regional wines mostly vinified and aged in stainless steel, through to single vineyard wines aged in oak to unlock the full complexity of the wines.

The jewel in their crown is the Grand Cru / Grosse Lage vineyard Reiterpfad, an iconic vineyard with a great history of producing compelling wine over the course of centuries. This is a limestone marl vineyard that has produced wine since Roman times, and recognised as one of the best sites of Germany. The wine has been aged in old oak barrels to allow the oxygen to work on the wine and release texture and complexity. Lovely nose of ripe yellow fruits, enticing golden autumn hints of ripe apple, melon and quince. Utterly seductive honeyed fruits on the palate- this is delicious with layers of flavour, a round texture yet still with pulsating acidity and a finish that goes on and on. Fabulous now, but will age for 10 years and beyond – a dry white wine of the highest quality.