Weingut Willi Schaefer: Riesling Precision in Graach
Graach an der Mosel, Mosel, Germany
At Weingut Willi Schaefer, wine production centers entirely on crafting pure Riesling from steep Mosel slopes. Meticulous hand labor and a minimal-intervention approach preserve the distinct character of each vineyard site.
A Family Tradition
The Schaefer family has cultivated vines in Graach for generations, with written records tracing their winemaking history back to 1121. Today, Christoph Schaefer and his wife Andrea manage the estate, continuing a long tradition of careful viticulture.
The family farms four hectares of vineyards, keeping operations small to ensure close personal attention across every stage of cultivation and cellar work.
The Steep Slopes of Graach and Wehlen
The estate’s vineyards sit on steep slate slopes along the Mosel river. The slate soil absorbs heat during the day and radiates it back to the vines at night, while providing excellent drainage and mineral character.
The primary vineyard sites include Graacher Domprobst, Graacher Himmelreich, and the legendary Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Low yields and old, ungrafted vines contribute depth, concentration, and natural balance to the grapes.
In The Cellar
Cellar work follows a gentle, traditional approach designed to respect the natural quality of the harvested fruit. Grapes undergo soft pressing, and juice moves by gravity without unnecessary mechanical stress.
Fermentation takes place spontaneously using wild yeasts in classic neutral oak casks (Fuder) and small stainless steel tanks. The wines remain on their fine lees to develop balance, structure, and aging potential before bottling.
Capturing Individual Expression
Expect a signature house style defined by delicate aromatics, vibrant slate minerality, and fine fruit sweetness balanced by crisp acidity. The wines showcase remarkable longevity across all quality levels, from estate Rieslings to single-vineyard Prädikat bottlings.
Cellaring allows the distinct nuances of Graacher Domprobst, Graacher Himmelreich, and Wehlener Sonnenuhr to unfold, revealing complex layers of stone fruit, floral notes, and slate-driven precision.
THE WINES
Willi Schaefer, Graacher Riesling Trocken 2024
A crisp dry Riesling showing aromas of green apple, white peach, and crushed slate. Bright, focused acidity carries through to a clean, mineral finish.
Willi Schaefer, Graacher Riesling Feinherb 2024
91/100, Vinous
Off-dry and harmonious, offering ripe pear, citrus zest, and subtle floral nuances. Balanced fruit sweetness complements a lively, slate-driven backbone.
Willi Schaefer, Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2024
94/100, Vinous
High-toned blossom aromas, white peach, and subtle flinty minerality open on the nose. Delicate and feather-light on the palate with refreshing acidity.
Willi Schaefer, Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2024
95/100, Vinous
Exquisite floral aromatics, white cherry, and refined slate minerality mark this famous site. Silken texture meets brilliant, razor-sharp tension.
Willi Schaefer, Graacher Domprobst Riesling Kabinett #03 2024
94/100, Vinous
A deeply mineral Kabinett delivering notes of red apple, cassis, and smoky slate. Vibrant tension drives a long, precise finish.
Willi Schaefer, Graacher Domprobst Riesling Spätlese #05 2024
96/100, Vinous
Layered and complex, showing dark slate minerality, stone fruit, and spice notes. Generous weight on the mid-palate anchored by a firm, persistent finish.
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