Immich-Batterieberg is one of the oldest wineries in the Mosel. Originally founded by a Carolingian monastery, it can be traced back to the year 911. In 1495, the Immich family purchased the property, producing traditional dry and off-dry wines under their name for almost 500 years. In 1989, the estate was sold to a new owner, and the style of winemaking quickly shifted: long, spontaneous barrel fermentations were replaced with stainless steel, cultured yeasts and micro-filtration. The resulting wines became sleeker, fruitier and more modern. After filing for bankruptcy in 2007, the estate was reacquired in 2009 by Gernot Kollmann and two Hamburg based investors.
Batterieberg is a 1.1 h monopole within the Zeppwingert, and also the place that gives the estate its namesake. It was Carl August Immich’s decision to dynamite this hill between 1841 and 1845 which permitted him to create terraces and plant vines (Batterieberg translates to Battered Mountain). The slate here is grey and very rocky, with a heavy amount of quartz.
I chose this wine to pair with dinner of poached fresh fish, namely pollock and red mullet. The colour is a clear light gold, 12% alcohol. The nose is a fine mix of wet slate, lime, peach and a hint of fresh green herbs. The mouthfeel is thick in viscosity, fresh and lovely. It tastes of perfectly ripe limes, white peaches and white pear, all blended seamlessly together. Dry, but not bone dry, this wine appeals to me even though I usually drink German rieslings with significantly more residual sugar. In fact, I would say that this is one of the most enjoyable dry rieslings that I have ever drunk. I will age my remaining bottles and drink them over the years to come.
Very nice, Nicos! This sounds quite tasty.
I went through a phase several years back of drinking I-B wines a bit when a friend in town carried them in his shop. Many good experiences, and they were always spring wines to me, I think of them this time of year for whatever reason. Well done. Cheers.
I appreciate the background on IB. About a month ago I had the 2010 version (I believe the second vintage) of this wine and it was also quite good and focused, evolving positively over a few days, though definitely on the resinous, oxidative side of the spectrum as far as dry riesling goes. I love acid and 2010 always delivers but the wines, including 2010 IB seem to still be very coiled. Its a vintage for the long haul I suppose. While I think the phenolic weight might add complexity and maybe longevity to the wines from IB, if I had to criticize on a high level it would be that they maybe lack the electricity and drinking flow of wines from their neighbor, Weiser-Kunstler. I will have to try some of that 14!
Hi there. Got six bottles of this one some time ago. Pleasant surprise. Not top class but close behind. Something to search for. Still reasonable priced stuff. Value for money.
Good morning Howard, and a happy Monday to you too…
I tend to prefer drinking German rieslings when they are mature. I find that they are more to my style. I do, on occasion, drink younger German rieslings if they offer pleasure for my palate, or simply to check in with their development.
Cheers Bob! I trust that you are drinking well too, especially Baroli. What are your thoughts on 2013 v 2015 v 2016 Baroli? Please do stay safe and happy in these challenging times.
