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The wines of Schneider, Pfalz, Germany

Weingut Klaus Schneider, Georg-Fitz Strasse 12, D-67158 Ellerstadt/Pfalz, Germany
Tel: 0 62 37 72 88 Fax: 0 62 37 97 72 30
E-mail: weingut-schneider@t-online.de

Markus Schneider (pictured right) has been making the wines at his family firm for the last few vintages. He’s been trying to improve quality by reducing yields, making the wines from the different vineyards separately, and by buying more old vine vineyards. He’s also made a trial ‘Port’ from some of his red grapes, a first for Germany!

2003 was a warm vintage with any rain from May to Septmember, and they had to draw a lot of water from the Rhine by tanker in order to irrigate.

These wines are tank samples, so take any scores with a pinch of salt; it is very early to begin assessing them. Bottling is in April (they were tasted in March 2004) and the wines will be released in May/June 2004.

Schnieder Riesling (Trocken) Kirchenstück 2003 Pflaz
Made from 60 year old vines, this has 2.5 g/l residual sugar and a total acidity of 8.1 g/l. Very fresh, youthful nose. The palate is intense, minerally and concentrated with good definition from the high acidity. There’s limey fruit with some herby complexity. A dry style with some fruit richness, and perhaps a little more flattering and perfumed than the others at this early stage. Very good/excellent 93/100

Schnieder Riesling (Trocken) Kalkmergel 2003 Pfalz
Made from 30 year old vines planted on calcareous soils. 1.8 g/l sugar, 9.5 g/l acid. Again, a very youthful, slightly spritzy nose. High acid, minerally, laser-sharp palate with nicely defined fruit. Bone dry and very fresh. Very good/excellent 91/100

Schnieder Riesling Alte Reben (Trocken) Terrassen 2003 Pfalz
From a grand cru vineyard planted in 1931. 2.6 g/l sugar, 8.4 g/l acid. Gassy, spritzy nose. Good concentration here, with well defined fruit. Minerally and intense with lovely fruit intensity. Probably my favourite of the three. Very good/excellent 93/100

see also: tasting notes of German wines