2024 Emrich-Schonleber, Mineral Riesling Trocken, Nahe

Frank Schönleber manages the "Mineral" bottling as a deliberate declassified blend from his Monzingen estate’s younger vines, primarily sourced from the Grand Cru parcels of Halenberg and Frühlingsplätzchen. The wine’s structural foundation is dictated by this geographic collision of blue-gray slate and red quartzite, which produces a distinctively saline and high-tension profile. In 2024, severe spring frosts resulted in a 50% loss of yield, yet the surviving fruit benefited from a cool, extended ripening period that prioritized acid retention and lower must weights. The resulting structure is characterized by a "featherweight" density and crystalline clarity, reflecting the estate's technical commitment to precision over extract. This dry Riesling is defined by its lean architectural frame and a vibrant, salt-driven finish that underscores the year's exceptional focus and nerve.