JOACHIM FLICK | Wicker | Riesling Trocken | 2021
riesling

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In 1867, Dr. Friedrich Wilhelm Dünkelberg published a quality map for Rheingau vineyards – it has been recorded as the oldest vineyard classification in the world. Only the most famous vineyards in the Rheingau are mentioned by name there and Joachim Flick’s Nonnberg and Victoriaberg vineyards are among them.

Today we are going to review a genuine, single-varietal riesling wine that comes from one of the most famous regions in the world, the legendary Rheingau – Wicker Riesling Trocken 2021 by Joachim Flick. Riesling must be the world’s most misunderstood grape variety, as the resulting wines are unlike any others – light in alcohol, high in natural acidity, with the ability to transmit the terrior through its extract and unique aromas and, what makes it stand out from the crowd, riesling wines are capable of ageing for decades. Relative to other internationally grape varieties, riesling ripens quite early, so when planted in a hot climate its juice can be overripe and flabby, while in a cool climate it has the chance to stay on the vine late into the autumn, hence the german obsession with late harvest riesling wines. Germany have championed single-varietal wines since the first mass plantings of riesling at Schloss Johannisberg in 1720 in Rheingau. Since then, Germany has become the world’s top riesling producer, developing a wide range of styles from dry and crisp to lusciously sweet. Dry styles of riesling are becoming increasingly popular, one can identify them by the term “Trocken” on the label (which translates as “dry”). The wine we are tasting today is a single vineyard riesling, made of grapes that were sourced from the Wicker vineyard, famous for its calcareous and limestone soils (known locally as “Kalkstein“) that are rich in sediments of shells and crustaceans, which results in wines with an incomparable minerality. But enough with all that theory – that said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to our tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: clear pastel-yellow color
clarity: pale lime-greenish hues

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & herbal-mineral
fruit character: underripe & green

On the first nose, the wine displays an intriguing blend of underripe and green fruit character, with a distinct focus on herbal elements and citrus notes. The forefront is dominated by the green fruits and citrus (green apricot, green grapefruit, green apple and gooseberry), complemented by a herbal bouquet, with hints of fresh-cut grass, nettle and a touch of lemongrass that adds a layer of freshness. As the wine’s bouquet unfolds, subtle mineral nuances emerge, with chalk and flintstone playing the primary role in enhancing the wine’s minerality. This wine captures a refreshing essence, where the interplay of underripe fruit, herbal tone, and a touch of minerality creates a harmonious and inviting aromatic experience.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp & vibrant

On the palate, the wine reveals a captivating array of flavors that engage the senses with finesse. The exuberant acidity takes center stage, orchestrating a lively mouthfeel that enlivens the taste buds. The fruit character spans a spectrum of underripe and ripe mixture of green fruits and citrus notes. Some nuanced herbal undertones add a layer of minerality bring more complexity on the palate, enhancing the wine’s overall structure. A subtle touch of alcoholic warmth introduces a nuanced depth, contributing to the wine’s richness without overpowering its vibrancy. The crisp and vibrant aftertaste leaves a lasting impression, creating a thoroughly refreshing and memorable tasting experience. This wine is all about balance and precision, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a genuine german riesling.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | needs more time | age for another 2-3 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this is a refreshingly sharp, vibrant and zesty, embodying the characteristics of a genuine german dry riesling wine. Its crisp and zingy profile, marked by a lean structure, displays a wine that is still in its development phase. The palate, while invigorating, hints at the potential for greater complexity with time.  Despite its current youthful exuberance, there is a promise of good aging potential, suggesting that patience will be rewarded as the wine continues to develop and unveil layers of sophistication. In its current state, the wine leaves the impression that the best is yet to come, making it a worthy asset for those wine enthusiasts who are patient enough to wait for the its full potential.

//Scoring
JOACHIM FLICK | Wicker | Riesling Trocken | 2021
variety: riesling
country: Germany
region: Rheingau
rating: 94.0

//Prediction
predicted rating: 91+
actual rating: 91+

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This is definitely a great wine of Germany and with a total of 94.0 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Given the refreshing and zesty nature of this wine, we would recommend to pair it with a lemon-herb grilled chicken with a medley of fresh green vegetables. The exuberant acidity and crisp aftertaste of the wine will cut through the succulent flavors of the grilled chicken, creating a delightful contrast. The underripe fruit character and herbal nuances in the wine will complement the citrusy marinade of the chicken, enhancing the overall dining experience. The lean and supple structure of the wine aligns seamlessly well with the light and tender texture of the grilled chicken, making each bite a harmonious interplay of flavors. This pairing allows the genuine nature of the wine to shine, while adding a touch of sophistication to a classic and universally enjoyed culinary creation. Enjoy!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.