Weingut Forstmeister-Geltz Zilliken
Rausch Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese
Wines
Rausch Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese from Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken represents one of the most concentrated and rare expressions of Riesling from the Saar, produced only in exceptional vintages when conditions allow for the development of noble rot. Sourced from the steep, slate-rich slopes of the Saarburger Rausch vineyard, the wine reflects both the extreme ripeness of individually selected berries and the distinctive minerality of the site.
The Trockenbeerenauslese style is defined by very high natural sweetness, yet in the Saar it is always supported by vibrant acidity, which prevents the wine from becoming heavy or cloying. Aromatically, it is intensely complex, with layers of dried apricot, candied citrus peel, honey, saffron, and exotic fruit, alongside botrytized notes of marmalade and spice.
On the palate, the texture is dense and almost viscous, but lifted by precise acidity that gives structure and clarity. The finish is exceptionally long, with a lingering interplay of sweetness, acidity, and mineral depth.
Production is extremely limited due to the labor-intensive selection of shriveled, botrytized berries. This wine has extraordinary aging potential, capable of evolving for decades while gaining additional complexity and tertiary aromas such as caramel, dried fruits, and subtle herbal nuances.
Rausch Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese stands as a benchmark for sweet wines, combining concentration, balance, and a clear expression of its origin.
Producer
Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken is a historic family-owned German winery with origins dating back to 1742, located in Saarburg in the Saar subregion of the Mosel. The estate is widely recognized for its Riesling wines, which are considered among the most precise and age-worthy expressions of the variety in Germany.
A key vineyard is the renowned Saarburger Rausch, a steep, slate-rich site that produces wines with pronounced minerality, freshness, and finesse. The Zilliken family has maintained a traditional approach to viticulture and winemaking over generations, including spontaneous fermentation and a careful balance between natural sugar and acidity.
Their style ranges from dry to Prädikat wines with residual sweetness, always marked by clarity and site expression. Aromatically, the wines show citrus, green apple, white flowers, and distinct mineral and saline notes.
They are known for their longevity, developing complex tertiary characteristics over time. Today, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken stands as one of the benchmark producers in the Saar, with a strong international reputation for purity and terroir-driven wines.