This historic wine estate dates back to the seventh century when the vineyards and buildings were donated to the Benedictine monastery of Saint Maximin in Trier, Germany. By the early 19th century Napoleon had privatized all church property. An ancestor of Maximin von Schubert purchased the property in 1882 and the family is now the sixth generation to manage the estate. The property lies at the base of the steep south-facing slopes on the left bank of the Ruwer River.

Abtsberg is the finest vineyard site from the estate covering 35 acres of Blue Devonian slate sub-soils. Vines have been planted on these parcels for over one thousand years. They are described as some of the longest-lived Rieslings from this region. A pale crystalline color greets you with attractive aromas of petrol on the entry. Juicy peach and apple blossoms fill in the core along with a delicate minerality and flint tones along the edges. There is a savoriness to the wine that is immediately attractive, pulling all elements together. The racy acidity pushes the wine into a long and graceful finish.

By W Peter Hoyne