Buy These GG Rieslings Before They’re Gone

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Let’s set the record straight: if you’re not paying attention to Germany’s wine scene, you’re missing out on some of the best dry wines. Among the most exciting ones are Grosses Gewächs (GG), a term that translates to “great growths” and is used to designate wines from Germany’s equivalent of grand cru vineyards. After spending three days at the GG preview tasting in August—which is hosted by the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP), an organization that promotes Germany’s top wines—where I sampled nearly 400 wines, I can assure you that there’s something for every wine lover, whether you’re a classicist or skew adventurous.

Riesling once again stole the spotlight. Revered as one of the finest dry wines in the world, the latest GG Rieslings continue to raise the bar for excellence in winemaking. These wines are the epitome of German terroir, showcasing the country’s most esteemed vineyards. Crafted with meticulous care, they might as well come with a velvet glove and a fanfare.

GGs are released after the year after the grapes are harvested, on September 1. This allows them time to mature in the cellar before reaching the public. However, certain wineries choose to hold their best wines back for an additional year to allow further development. Even so, they typically need at least five years to truly open up. In some vintages, it takes even longer to reach their prime. For this reason, these wines are often purchased with cellaring in mind.

The newly released 2023 vintage has captured the attention due to its delightful combination of approachability and age-worthiness. With vibrant acidity and mineral tension, these wines promise longevity, making them perfect for both immediate enjoyment or long-term cellaring.

Whether you’re looking for something to enjoy now or a wine to treasure, these GGs are your golden ticket. While they typically hit the U.S. market by December, some are already available for purchase, and others can be pre-ordered. Just don’t wait too long—they’re as coveted as backstage passes to a sold-out concert and tend to sell out within a few months. I’m here to help you snag the best bottles before they disappear into well-heeled collectors’ cellars.

The Best 2023 GG Riesling Bottles to Seek Out

Clemens Busch Riesling Marienburg GG 2023 (Mosel)

Clemens Busch is synonymous with Mosel magic and biodynamic farming. His 2023 Marienburg GG delivers everything you desire in a top-tier Mosel Riesling—electric acidity, smoky slate and a citrusy zing that dances on your palate. It’s bold and beautiful, effortlessly combining elegance with rugged charm.

$62
Saratoga Wine

Riesling Grosses Gewachs Saarfeilser Fass 13 Peter Lauer 2023

Lauer’s Schonfels GG is a daring masterpiece born from the daunting slopes of the Saar. With over 100-year-old ungrafted vines, this legendary dry wine is a testament to grit and vision. Expect a mineral punch that’s as formidable as the vineyard’s steep drop. Aromas of fennel and elderflower give way to a juicy palate, demanding patience for its full brilliance to unfold.

$50
Zachy’s

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Riesling Pechstein GG 2023 (Pfalz)

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf’s Pechstein GG is a powerhouse. The 2023 vintage bursts with ripe stone fruits, crushed slate and a silky texture that glides across your palate. It’s a wine that demands attention and rewards it tenfold. Tuck it away for some time and you will be rewarded.

Skurnik is importing this wine. While they only sell to the trade, they can direct you to local distributors and shops that will have the bottles on hand.

A. Christmann Riesling Idig GG 2023 (Pfalz)

Christmann’s Idig GG is always a showstopper, and the 2023 vintage is no exception. Structured and textured, it features a mouthwatering blend of ripe apple, pear and spice. The minerality shines, offering a chalky crunch. This wine evolves in the glass, inviting you to savor the journey.

$ Varies
Wine-searcher

Kühling-Gillot Riesling Pettenthal GG 2023 (Rheinhessen)

Kühling-Gillot is serious about vineyard precision, and the 2023 Pettenthal GG is a testament to that commitment. This Riesling doesn’t just sing—it belts. Crisp and mineral-driven, with a hint of flint and a touch of peach, it has enough acidity to keep your palate doing cartwheels. Its long, persistent finish reveals complexity, making it a perfect candidate for cellaring for years to come.

The German Wine Collection is importing this vintage, so interested shoppers should contact them directly to find out when bottles will be available.

Get These 2022 Bottles Before They’re Gone

Don’t overlook the 2022 vintage, either—some estates released exceptional GGs that exemplify elegance and power, despite challenging weather conditions during the growing season. The 2022 releases mentioned here are actually held back intentionally, as some wineries choose to age their wines an additional year before release.

Odinstal Riesling Monopole GG 2022 (Pfalz)

Andreas Schumann, the mastermind behind Odinstal winery, radiates his unique energy into his vineyard, which is perched high in Pfalz. This wine shouts: “I’m from a serious vineyard, but I know how to have fun!” The 2022 vintage showcases a savory-meets-fruity duality, with a crunchy texture that makes you want to curl up with a glass. A beautiful representation of biodynamic viticulture, this wine is bound to age gracefully.

$ Varies
Living Wines

Rainer Schnaitmann Riesling Lämmler GG 2022

Rainer Schnaitmann channels his passion and precision into every bottle from his esteemed Württemberg vineyard. The 2022 vintage offers a stunning harmony of bright acidity and mineral depth, turning each sip into a delightful journey. With layers of luscious stone fruit and a whisper of floral elegance, this Riesling invites you to kick back and savor the moment. A stellar example of meticulous craftsmanship.

This is another German Wine Collection import and the wine will arrive stateside at the end of November. Therefore, this year. So, contact them for intel on local wine bars, shops and distributors who will have the goods.