2022 Clemens Busch Riesling Pündericher Nonnengarten 1G

WINEMAKER: Clemens Busch
REGION: Mosel, GER
VARIETY: Riesling
VITICULTURE: Biodynamic

93 points. The 2022er Nonnengarten Riesling 1G, as it is referred to on the main part of the label, is made from fruit picked in this lesser-known full southfacing steep vineyard on iron-rich slate which forms the continuation of the Marienburg. This white-green-colored wine offers a rather backward but hugely impressive nose made of bitter grapefruit, citrusy fruits, ginger, bergamot, wet stone, minerals, and smoky elements. The wine is smooth and subtly creamy rather than bone-dry on the palate yet remains hugely focused and packed with finely chiseled flavors of fruits and minerals right into the long finish. The aftertaste is satisfying, multi-layered, and makes one want to go for more. This is dangerous stuff! 2025-2037 Mosel Fine Wines

Clemens started working in his father’s 2-hectare estate in 1975. He stopped using herbicides in 1976, then in 1984 he and wife Rita converted to organics. They were among the first in Germany to begin consciously growing grapes this way and they became instrumental in the movement establishing an association of organic growers in 1986. While farming organically they began using various preparations from the biodynamic toolkit, finally converting entirely in 2005. Today Clemens is recognised as pioneer of both the organic and biodynamic winegrowing movements in Germany and has mentored many other young growers, including his son Florian who now works with him and Rita.