Description
The 1989 Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier Priesterseminar Kanzemer Altenberg Riesling Auslese is a mature, high-quality sweet white wine from a landmark vintage for the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region. Produced from the steep Kanzemer Altenberg vineyard in the Saar valley, this wine represents a combination of the Priesterseminar estate’s historic holdings and the exceptional ripening conditions of 1989.
Wine Profile & Characteristics
- Estate: Produced by Bischöfliche Weingüter Trier, a historic winery formed from the combined vineyards of three Trier institutions: the Bischöfliches Priesterseminar, the Hohe Domkirche, and the Bischöfliches Konvikt.
- Vineyard: Kanzemer Altenberg, a legendary steep-slope site in the Saar sub-region known for its slate soils and wines of intense minerality and longevity.
- Style: An Auslese (select harvest) wine made from ripe, often botrytized
- grapes. Expect a luscious profile with concentrated fruit and a complex, honeyed character.
- Tasting Notes (Mature Profile): While specific notes for the 1989 vintage are rare, similar aged Auslese from this site typically show:
- Nose: Developed aromas of dried apricot, orange zest, honey, and a characteristic “petrol” or flinty note common in aged Riesling.
- Palate: A balance of lingering sweetness and high acidity. Mature bottles often develop complex savory notes, such as tobacco leaf, vanilla, and stony minerality.
- Appearance: Likely a deep golden to brownish-amber colour due to its age.
The 1989 VintageThe 1989 vintage in Germany is considered sensational. An “Indian Summer” in October provided perfect conditions for high sugar concentration and botrytis, allowing for the production of fabulous Auslese through Trockenbeerenauslese. These wines are noted for their richness and ability to age for decades.
