STEIL

thewine

STEIL is a single vineyard selection from old vines at a minimum of 15 years. A unique individual showing the differing influence of the microclimate each year in its taste and structure. The flavouring components will vary from vineyard block to vineyard block.

thename

STEIL revives the historic name of all the vineyards located around Assmannshausen that are covered by red slate stone soil.

The name also describes the nature of our vineyards which are steep slopes up to 70°.

thetaste

STEIL is an expressive Pinot Noir, powerful but elegant. As a unique individual it appears more or less distinctive fumy, with earthy flavours of red slate soil or dark berries - depending on vintage and vineyard block. Smooth but light at the same time.

thegrape

Pinot Noir, 100%.

theageing potential

15 to 20 years

theyield

The yield is limited by nature and the intended character for the wine, approx. 30 to 40 hl/ha.

thevineyard

All vineyards are cultivated by certified organic farming supplemented by very high personal standards regarding the respect to nature and human.

STEIL grows on steep slopes covered by red slate stone soil, located around Assmannshausen in Rheingau. Its character is based on traditional Burgundian clones of Assmannshäuser Pinot Noir.

The age of the vines ranges between 15 and 48 years.

thevinification

The vinification is minimized by the use of natural biological processes and physical transformations. The only additive used is sulphite.

It is a ’lazy vinification process’ where time is the key to achieve taste, harmony, clearness, stability and a great maturation potential. This takes two years time in barrels and at least up to another two years in the bottle before leaving the cellar for the first time. STEIL is bottled unfiltered.

STEIL naturally ferments to dry with nearly no sugar left. The acidity is naturally degraded by a second fermentation to about 5.0 g/l total acidity measured as tartric acid.

The alcohol level derives from nature and the sugar in the grapes. Usually 13.5%vol. (ca. 103° Oechsle).