From: Saar, Germany
Blend: Reisling
Taste: One of the standout offerings from this vintage is the 2019 Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier Scharzhofberger Riesling Sekt Brut. Its pale straw color and pepper nose unfold on the palate with notes of pear, apricot, and yellow apples. It impresses with its puristic, dry taste and slightly salty-mineral flavor, enhanced by a 24-month yeast storage contributing to its fine perlage and elegant style. The Scharzhofberger Brut Nature is a perfect aperitif, pairing wonderfully with oriental-spiced cuisine.
Pairing: In terms of food pairings, Rieslings from Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. The Scharzhofberger pairs well with smoked fish, complements mildly spicy foods, and sauteed pork tenderloin with apple sauce, veal medallions, and poached pears.
Everything-Bagel Smoked Salmon Dip
By Ali Slagle
About: Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Mosel, Saar, and Ruwer, the Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier tells a tale of tradition and excellence that dates back centuries. The journey began in 1773 when Archbishop-Elector Clemens Wenceslaus of Saxony laid the foundation of the Bischöfliches Priesterseminar (Episcopal Seminary), marking the start of a legacy in viticulture. This estate, which originally spanned 34 hectares, has since expanded and evolved, now encompassing 37 hectares of vineyards, including some of the most esteemed locations like Piesporter Goldtröpfchen and Ayler Kupp.
This rich history is intertwined with the cathedral's wine-growing legacy, a tradition documented as far back as 1249. The union of three significant wineries in 1966 — Bischöfliches Konvikt, Bischöfliches Priesterseminar, and Hohe Domkirche — gave rise to the Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier. This merger brought together vineyards in top locations, creating a heritage rich in traditions and a testament to this region's long history of viticulture.
The original three wineries, founding members of the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) since 1910, reflect excellent wine culture. With a cellar dating back to 800 AD, the winery boasts an impressive array of 240 traditional Mosel casks, Fuder, crafted by one of Germany's few remaining cooperages, Holzküferei Hösch. These casks are crucial in vinification, especially for the Rieslings, known for their pronounced fruity-aromatic components.
The 2019 vintage at Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier was a testament to resilience and craftsmanship. Despite challenges like frost, hail, and drought, the vintage yielded dense, expressive wines with vibrant freshness. The unpredictable weather, including a too-mild and dry winter, the last frosts in May, and extreme heat, demanded exceptional skill and adaptability. The result was a harvest of grapes that promised high quality with a low quantity, culminating in a range of estate and local wines that truly reflect the terroir.
