Markus Molitor Haus Klosterberg Riesling 2023

Markus Molitor took over his family’s Mosel estate in 1984 at just 20 years old, representing the eighth generation of his family to grow wine in the region. Based in Wehlen, he gradually expanded the domaine into one of the Mosel’s most substantial collections of steep slate vineyards, stretching from Brauneberg through Zeltingen and into the Saar. Despite that scale, the philosophy remains highly traditional: late and selective harvesting, low yields, spontaneous fermentation and long élevage, with each wine intended to reflect its specific vineyard and vintage rather than a standardized house style.

Haus Klosterberg is the estate’s introductory Riesling, assembled from several Mosel vineyards rooted in predominantly Devonian slate. The 2023 grapes were harvested in October, gently crushed and given a short period of skin contact before a slow, cool spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine then spends an extended period on its fine lees, primarily in stainless steel with some lots raised in large neutral wooden casks. This gives the wine additional texture without introducing obvious oak character. Depending on the capsule, Haus Klosterberg is produced in both dry and slightly off-dry expressions; the commonly seen 2023 green-capsule bottling is the softer, lightly off-dry version.

The 2023 shows white peach, pear and citrus with subtle floral, smoky and slate-like notes. The palate is light and elegant but gains texture from the lees, with fresh acidity balancing a gentle touch of sweetness. It finishes crisp, saline and mineral, making it an especially approachable introduction to Molitor’s style.