Axel Pauly Kabinett Niederberg Helden 2019  £19.95

Axel Pauly Kabinett Niederberg Helden 

Axel Pauly is one of the rising stars of German wine. He took over the Pauly estate from his father after doing vintages in California, New Zealand and other parts of Germany. Most of the seven hectares of vineyards are in the heart of the Mosel Valley in the village of Lieser, except for a small parcel in the highly regarded, neighbouring village of Bernkastel. The majority of Axel's wines are dry or off-dry in style and are closed with screwcap to preserve the purity and freshness of the Riesling grown on the famous slate soils of the Mosel.

The Axel Pauly estate cultivates a total area of 9 hectares. The fruit for this Riesling comes from the top site of Lieserer NiederbergHelden. The vineyard faces southwest and has a slope of up to 80 degrees in steepness in some parts. The soils are grey and blue slate.

2018 was an excellent vintage in terms of quality and yield. The summer was challenging, bringing hot and dry conditions and the threat of hailstorms and heavy storms. Fortunately, September brought some much-needed gentle rainfall and cool nighttime temperatures to increase the yield and aromatic qualities in the fruit.

The grapes are hand-picked and sorted before they undergo a period of maceration for 10 hours. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts.

This Riesling is a bright yellow with youthful glints. It is intensely aromatic with honey melon, peach, pineapple and ripe apple notes. On the palate, it is fresh and lively with a well-balanced sweetness and acidity.