Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese*** Sweet 2023

This wine comes from Erdener Treppchen, one of the Mosel’s most famous steep slate vineyards, whose name (“little steps of Erden”) refers to the ancient stone terraces carved into the hillside above the village of Erden. The red and grey slate soils, extreme gradients and river influence create a warm yet ventilated microclimate that allows Riesling to reach high ripeness while retaining remarkable acidity, ideal for intensely sweet Auslese*** wines.​

The three-star designation indicates an extremely strict selection of the ripest, largely botrytised berries, picked by hand over multiple passes to achieve exceptional concentration and complexity. After gentle pressing, the must ferments slowly at cool temperatures, stopping with a high level of natural residual sugar while preserving intense fruit and freshness, followed by maturation that allows the components of sweetness, acidity and extract to knit together harmoniously.​

Tasting Notes

• Highly expressive nose of apricot jam, ripe peach, mango and pineapple, accented by candied citrus peel, honey, anise and a pronounced slatey note.​

• The palate is viscous and mouth‑coating, packed with lush tropical and stone‑fruit flavours, yet driven by bright, laser‑like acidity that keeps the sweetness in perfect check.​

• The finish is very long and layered, leaving impressions of dried apricot, citrus oil, sweet spice and cool, stony minerality.​

Awards and Accolades
For the 2023 Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese*** Sweet, critics rank the wine among the top Erdener Treppchen bottlings, noting its extraordinary concentration and balance; one leading critic report places this vintage in the highest tier of Erden wines based on aggregated scores. Tasting notes from professional reviewers highlight anise and fennel complexity over deep fruit, with comments on its impressive precision, energy and long ageing potential.​

Serving and Cellaring
Serve at 8–10°C in small white‑wine or sweet‑wine glasses, allowing the wine a little air so the more exotic and spicy notes can unfold. It pairs beautifully with blue cheeses, foie gras, fruit‑based desserts, or can be enjoyed on its own as a contemplative dessert wine, and it is built for long ageing, with a drinking window that can easily extend 20–30 years from the vintage.​

Technical Details
Alcohol: typically around 7–8% ABV for an intensely sweet Mosel Auslese*** of this style.​
Residual Sugar: very high (classic rich sweet Auslese level, significantly above off‑dry or regular Auslese), balanced by vibrant acidity.​
Closure: Cork.