Weingut TESCH (Nahe) -- 2022 Tasted from Bottle

In 2022, Martin Tesch explained, the dryness and heat caused the vines to shut down, stopping further maturation. The grapes tasted fine at harvest, but they were lower in sugar (and thus the wines lower in alcohol) than in other recent years. Contrary to some producers, Tesch chose not to chaptalize and went with what nature gave him.

As I mentioned last year, Tesch is taking steps to deal with the global warming that cannot be denied. These include changing the direction of the rows from north-south to east-west and raising the canopies so that shade can be maximized. 

The water stress was important, especially as in some vineyards the soil on top of bedrock is very thin. There was a bit more water in Langenlonsheim than in Laubenheim, the two towns where Tesch’s vineyards are located.

The single vineyard wines ideally need at 4-5 years in the cellar to develop flavors and round out.

2022 Riesling  trocken  Unplugged

As always, the Unplugged Riesling has refreshing, lively acidity. The wine has floral notes in the nose. The mouth is medium-light with excellent salinity to go with incipient peach fruit. This is a perfect introduction to the estate’s lineup and ready to drink now. Screw cap closure. 11.5% stated alcohol. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 03 23 91/A-

2022 (Langenlonsheimer) Löhrer Berg Riesling trocken

 The Löhrer Berg has spiced apple components in the nose and mouth. The wine is medium-weight and round with a decent acidic attack. Screw cap closure. 12.0% stated alcohol. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 06 23.  92/A

2022 (Laubenheimer) Krone Riesling trocken

The Krone is a bit rounder than the Unplugged, and although dry, is less austere. The body is medium-light with good firmness. The wine has lime minerality and should improve over the next few years. Screw cap closure. 11.5% stated alcohol. Last digits of A.P. Nr. 05 23. 91(+)/A-

2022 (Langenlonsheimer) Königsschild Riesling trocken

Tesch’s Königsschild is medium-weight with a strong acidic attack with grapefruit and other citric flavors and good concentration, nervosity, and density. This wine is from limestone soils and is usually my favorite of Tesch’s lineup, although not quite in 2022 at this point. Screw cap closure. 12.0% stated alcohol. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 04 23. 92(+)/A

2022 (Laubenheimer) St. Remigiusberg Riesling trocken

The St. Remigiusberg is a bit lighter and more elegant than the Königsschild at this stage and has more of a lemon tinge to its citric fruit. Screw cap closure. 11.5% stated alcohol. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 09 23. 92+/A

2022 (Laubenheimer) Karthäuser Riesling trocken

Last, the Karthäuser is spicy in the nose and medium-weight mouth with less biting acidity and more roundness than the St. Remigiusberg or the Königsschild. Screw cap closure. 11.5% stated alcohol. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 01 23. 93/A