Horst Sauer Escherndorfer Lump Scheurbe Riesling Spatlese

Horst Sauer Escherndorfer Lump Scheurebe Riesling Spatlese is a late-harvest Scheurebe white wine from Franconia, Germany, bottled at 11.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Rated 91+ points by Falstaff critic Ulrich Sautter (2021 vintage), this Spätlese-level wine comes from a winery named Gault Millau Winemaker of the Year in 2018.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11.5%  |  Origin: Franconia (Franken), Germany  |  Spätlese (Late Harvest)  |  Winery: Weingut Horst Sauer

Production & Heritage

Weingut Horst Sauer is one of Franconia's most celebrated estates, earning the prestigious Gault Millau Winemaker of the Year distinction in 2018. The Escherndorfer Lump vineyard holds Erste Lage (first-class site) status — a steep, south-facing slope that shields vines from cold northern and easterly winds, concentrating ripeness and aromatic intensity in the Scheurebe grapes. After harvest, the juice undergoes slow, restrained fermentation; roughly 75% is vinified in stainless steel while up to 25% matures for six months in second- or third-fill 300-liter French oak barrels. The winery relies on gravity-fed movement throughout, eliminating pumps to preserve the wine's delicate aromatics and clean fruit expression.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackcurrant and bruised gooseberry, layered with tangerine peel and floral top notes. A distinctive white pepper spice emerges as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: On entry, the palate is zesty and vibrant, with blackcurrant carrying through from the nose alongside ripe mango and peach fruit. The mid-palate reveals a delicate, slightly sherbety quality, and the sweetness is restrained — balanced by concise, mouth-watering acidity that keeps every sip taut and focused. The texture is elegant and lightly creamy from the partial oak maturation.

Finish: Medium-length with lingering citrus and tropical fruit echoes. A subtle mineral thread and persistent acidity keep the finish fresh and inviting.

How to Drink Escherndorfer Lump Scheurebe Spatlese

Serve lightly chilled, between 8–10°C (46–50°F), in a tulip-shaped white wine glass to capture the aromatic complexity. This Spätlese's balance of sweetness and acidity makes it a natural companion for food, but it stands beautifully on its own as a contemplative pour. Spritz: Top a small measure with sparkling water and a twist of grapefruit peel — the blackcurrant and tropical notes turn refreshing. Hugo variation: Use in place of Prosecco with elderflower and mint; the Scheurebe's floral and gooseberry character amplifies the cocktail's aromatics. Wine-based punch: Combine with fresh mango, lime juice, and a splash of soda — the wine's natural tropical profile makes it a vivid base for a summer punch bowl.

Best For

• Introducing adventurous wine drinkers to the Scheurebe grape and Franconia's distinctive terroir
• Pairing with Southeast Asian cuisine at a dinner party
• Gifting to a German wine enthusiast exploring top-tier Franken estates
• Late-summer outdoor dining where a wine with balanced sweetness and acidity shines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Escherndorfer Lump Scheurebe Spatlese taste like? It delivers ripe blackcurrant, gooseberry, and tropical mango with a sherbety edge, balanced by bright, mouth-watering acidity that restrains the Spätlese sweetness. White pepper spice and floral notes add complexity on the nose and palate.

How does this Scheurebe compare to Müller-Catoir Haardter Bürgergarten Scheurebe Spätlese? Müller-Catoir's Pfalz Scheurebe typically shows a richer, more opulently tropical profile from a warmer growing region, while Horst Sauer's Franken bottling leans toward higher-toned acidity and a more mineral, structured character shaped by the Escherndorfer Lump's steep limestone slopes. Both are benchmark expressions of the Scheurebe grape from two of Germany's top estates.

Is Escherndorfer Lump Scheurebe Spatlese good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the interplay between restrained sweetness and precise acidity makes it an engaging standalone pour, especially when served lightly chilled to bring out its aromatic complexity.

Where is this Scheurebe Spatlese made? It is produced at Weingut Horst Sauer in the village of Escherndorf, within the Franconia (Franken) wine region of northern Bavaria, Germany. The grapes are grown exclusively in the Escherndorfer Lump vineyard, a classified Erste Lage site.

What foods pair well with Escherndorfer Lump Scheurebe Spatlese? Thai green curry — the wine's sweetness tempers chili heat while its acidity matches the dish's brightness. Seared duck breast with a mango chutney — tropical fruit notes in the wine complement the sauce. Aged Comté or Gruyère — the wine's acidity cuts through the cheese's richness. Pan-seared scallops with a citrus beurre blanc — the Scheurebe's peach and tangerine notes mirror the sauce. Blue cheese — classic Spätlese pairing where sweetness balances salt and funk.

What sizes does Escherndorfer Lump Scheurebe Spatlese come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the widely available format for this wine.

Is Escherndorfer Lump Scheurebe Spatlese worth the price? This wine positions as a premium Franconian Spätlese from a Gault Millau Winemaker of the Year and an Erste Lage vineyard — credentials that place it firmly in the upper tier for German aromatic whites, offering strong value relative to comparable classified-site wines from the Mosel or Pfalz.

Why Escherndorfer Lump Scheurebe Spatlese?

Scheurebe remains one of Germany's most underappreciated aromatic grapes, and few producers handle it with Horst Sauer's precision. The Escherndorfer Lump's Erste Lage classification and steep south-facing limestone terrain give this wine a structural backbone rarely found in Spätlese-level wines, while the gravity-fed winery and slow fermentation preserve an unusually pure fruit expression. A 91+ point rating from Falstaff and the estate's Gault Millau Winemaker of the Year recognition confirm this is not merely a curiosity but a seriously accomplished wine. For drinkers seeking something beyond Riesling that still captures the depth and complexity of Germany's best vineyard sites, this Scheurebe stands as a compelling choice.