Only a small selection of our wines makes it into the premium category . We like to call them "Kellergold" (cellar gold ). But what makes them so special, and how do we explain the price difference? Let's first take a look at the four Riesling wines that have achieved the premium designation from Graf von Weyher .
Riesling premium wines
Riesling has been cultivated in Germany for over 600 years (it's hard to imagine what it was like before!), and the Palatinate is the largest Riesling-growing region in the world —our specialty, if you will. Our premium Riesling is made from the same grape as our other wines. The grapes are also pressed in the same way. The same alcohol content (13%), all dry. So, is it all just a marketing gimmick?
Nope. Anyone who knows anything about wine knows that the vine and its processing are just two of the important elements that make a wine. Two other important factors are the location and, believe it or not, the rock on which the vine grows! Riesling is a grape that adapts very sensitively to its environment.
At Graf von Weyher, we're quite proud to have four completely different types of rock in our relatively small area (because that's rare!): red sandstone , granite , marl limestone , and slate . The differences in the rock are actually quite visible to the naked eye. So, be sure to stop by our winery here in the beautiful Palatinate region and take a tour the next time you have the chance!
But back to the differences: The vines have to adapt to the subsoil , and this has a direct impact on the flavor. For example, red sandstone contains a lot of sand and many minerals, so it retains more water. This is quite relaxing for the vines in dry summers, especially compared to hard granite or multi-layered slate.
Granite, on the other hand, which is actually quite rare in Germany, has another advantage: when exposed to direct sunlight, it heats up considerably and thus stores the natural warmth for a longer period of time… which can be quite nice for the vines on cold spring nights!
It's relatively easy to understand that location affects the flavor : the more sun, the sweeter the wine. Our limestone marl and red sandstone slopes face southwest , meaning they receive ten to eleven hours of sunshine in the summer (and the Southern Palatinate is one of the sunniest regions in Germany, so there's plenty of sunshine!). Our slate and granite slopes, on the other hand, are south-facing and receive a maximum of eight hours of sun in the summer.
For our premium wines, we harvest each variety separately and process them with utmost care. The differences are truly palatable (and not just for true wine connoisseurs!). Try it out and find out which is your personal favorite Riesling. You can find more details about Kellergold in the individual wines.
- Limestone marl Riesling dry
- Granit Riesling dry
- Slate Riesling dry
This is what wine experts say:
" Somewhat vegetal to herbal and a hint of floral aromas with relatively bright citrus and stone fruit aromas. Quite juicy, slightly sweet fruit, lively acidity and delicate carbonation, some grip from mellow tannins, fairly good persistence, mineral notes in the background, again herbs, a certain freshness, red berry traces and floral hints, good to very good finish." wein.plus 13.05.2025
"The bouquet features aromas of orange jam, mirabelle plum compote, and warm brick. The palate is robust, medium-bodied with some phenolics and a present tactile minerality. The finish is full-bodied and dry, with a very pointed finish." Falstaff Wine Guide 2022
"Apple, verbena, and apricot on the nose, with lime zest, a touch of cumin, and anise. Relaxed on the palate, well-built, ripe acidity, balanced, and fine spice and mineral notes lining the back of the palate. Clear profile." Falstaff Wine Guide 2021
"A tidy, fruity nose with notes of citrus, lime peel, apricot, and floral notes. The palate also opens with citrus fruit, juicy and balanced with ripe acidity, a compact structure, a fine mineral undertone, elegant and stylish." Falstaff Wine Guide 2020
"Fresh and delicately fruity on the nose. Citrus and peach aromas paired with apricots and floral scents. Powerful, yet slightly playful, profound with a beautiful, very mineral acidity. Pleasant acidity and residual sweetness play on the tongue. Compact and complex, with a long, round finish. A wine with many facets..." Dr. Rolf Klein, experienced wine author and former editor-in-chief of the magazine "Weinwelt."
Awards:
Year 2019: ( AP.No. 5073053 4521 )
91 points – excellent wine, among the best wines of the vintage. Falstaff Wine Guide 2022
Year 2018: ( AP.No. 5073053 9920 )
91 points – excellent wine, among the best wines of the vintage. Falstaff Wine Guide 2021
Year 2017: ( AP.No. 5073053 03716 )
91 points – an excellent wine, among the best wines of the vintage. Falstaff Wine Guide 2020
Year 2015: ( AP.No. 5073053 03716 )
90 points at the international competition ' Best of Riesling '
Golden Chamber Prize Medal at the State Awards for Wine & Sparkling Wine awarded by the Rhineland-Palatinate Chamber of Agriculture
0.75 liters
