Pauly Generations Riesling 2021 (Mosel) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2019 Axel Pauly Generations Mosel Riesling a couple of years ago, tonight's white wine review is the latest vintage of this terrific vegan wine that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as an Online & Flagship Exclusive in the September 9 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

This white wine is produced by Axel Pauly, the third generation of his family to work the vines on the very steep slopes of Mosel, Germany. Axel started managing the cellar in 2004, after it was passed down from his grandfather to his father, Rudolf. In 2009, Axel took over the entire family estate and, just two years later, unfortunately, the winery burned to the ground. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise and Axel had the estate rebuilt over the next several years and, in 2014, it was voted one of the 50 most beautiful vinotheques in Germany by the German Wine Institute. The labels of Axel Pauly wines were designed by Swedish designers and (turn the bottle 90° counter-clockwise for a better visual) feature three curved lines which are actually profiles of three generations of the Pauly family - Peter, Rudolf and Axel. Furthermore, an overhead view of the Mosel River is also embedded in the label.

Axel Pauly is known for producing high-quality wines, and particularly for its Riesling wines. He cultivates his vines on approximately 9 hectares of vineyards that are situated in some of the most prestigious and sought-after locations along the Mosel River, some of which have a gradient of up to 70%! These steep slopes provide the optimal conditions for Riesling cultivation, with the angle of the slopes maximizing sun exposure and heat retention. All of the vineyards face south or southwest, and consist exclusively of different layers of slate rock. When developing his wines, Axel is committed to traditional winemaking techniques, while focusing on naturalness, straightforwardness, and the typical taste patterns imparted by the soils of Mosel. Like many others in the region, Pauly has adopted sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, which helps preserve the unique character of the region and its wines. Axel Pauly wines are characterized by clarity, a crystalline characteristic, length, and great minerality.

This medium-sweet Riesling was grown on grey and blue slate soils in a cool, moderate climate. The grapes were hand-picked from the steep slopes and then macerated for 10 hours, followed by spontaneous fermentation using natural yeasts in stainless steel. The wine was matured on its fine yeast lees for 4-5 months.

The growing season in Mosel in 2021 was significantly cooler and wetter compared to previous years for the south-facing, top vineyards. This was particularly favourable for the vines and allowed them to continue their old successes. The cooler and wetter year was most reflected in higher must weights, which is the amount of sugar in the juice. With Mosel characterized by its steep slopes and 90% of the grapes' white wine varieties, mainly Riesling, most winemakers in the area assessed the grapes positively and in good health, while expecting predominantly fruity and tangy wines. Let's see how this 2021 Mosel Riesling is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

PAULY GENERATIONS RIESLING 2021 - Qualitätswein, Mosel, Germany (#21033) (M) - $25.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this vegan-friendly Mosel Riesling has a medium-high intensity nose that offers slatey, earthy mineral, lemon citrus, and pear aromas with touches of white peach and floral. It has good weight on the medium to medium-full bodied palate with lovely tangy and off-dry flavours of lemon citrus, white peach, pear, and ripe apple joined by hints of honey and floral characters. Fresh, lively acidity keeps the sweetness in check. It's nicely balanced with lightly honeyed, citrus, and mineral notes lingering on the pleasantly long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other fine wines by Axel Pauly can be ordered through their Agent - DBINO David Beauroy Selections.