2023 Egon Muller Scharzhof Qualitats Riesling, Mosel

Egon Müller Scharzhof Qualitäts Riesling from the Mosel is one of the purest and most iconic expressions of Riesling in the world. Crafted by the legendary Egon Müller IV, this wine comes from the estate’s holdings near the village of Wiltingen, where the steep, slate-rich slopes of the Saar Valley produce Rieslings of breathtaking elegance, precision, and longevity.

Egon Müller’s family has been making wine at Scharzhof since the late 18th century. Today, the estate is regarded as one of Germany’s greatest, with Scharzhofberger—their famous grand cru vineyard—synonymous with absolute excellence. Even the "entry level" Scharzhof Qualitäts Riesling captures the house style perfectly: crystalline, mineral, and profoundly balanced.

The grapes for this Riesling are sourced from estate vineyards in the Saar Valley, where the cool climate and blue Devonian slate soils impart extraordinary freshness, razor sharp acidity, and aromatic lift. Yields are kept low, and vineyard work is meticulous, following traditional, minimal intervention practices that prioritise soil health and vine balance.

Winemaking at Scharzhof is all about restraint. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts in old oak casks and stainless steel, often very slowly due to the cold cellar temperatures. The wine is bottled early to preserve purity and the electric vibrancy that defines Saar Riesling.

In the glass, Scharzhof Qualitäts Riesling shows aromas of lime blossom, green apple, white peach, and wet stone. The palate is featherlight yet intensely flavoured, with mouthwatering acidity, delicate fruit sweetness, and a pure, mineral driven finish that feels almost weightless. Despite its delicacy, it has a quiet inner power and the capacity to age beautifully over a decade or more.

Perfect with oysters, ceviche, lightly spiced Asian dishes, or simply enjoyed on its own, Egon Müller’s Scharzhof Riesling is a masterclass in terroir, precision, and grace.