Schlink Haus Riesling Auslese

Schlink Haus Riesling Auslese is a sweet, botrytis-influenced German Riesling from the Nahe region, bottled at approximately 8% ABV in a 750ml format. Produced by the Gunther Schlink winery — a family operation dating back to 1886 — this Auslese-level wine is instantly recognizable by its iconic cobalt blue bottle and delivers concentrated stone fruit and citrus flavors shaped by noble rot.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~8%  |  Origin: Nahe, Germany  |  Auslese (Prädikat sweet wine)  |  Winery: Gunther Schlink

Production & Heritage

The Schlink family has been making wine since 1886, and for generations they have bottled their wines in a distinctive cobalt blue bottle that has become a signature of the brand. This Auslese expression is made from hand-selected Riesling grapes affected by botrytis cinerea — commonly called noble rot — a beneficial mold that shrivels the berries on the vine, drawing out moisture and concentrating sugars, acids, and flavors to remarkable intensity. The result is a medium-sweet wine with lower alcohol and a dense, layered fruit profile that distinguishes it from drier Riesling styles in the Schlink Haus range.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with earthy, honeyed tones before giving way to ripe apricot and macerated pineapple. Subtle floral and citrus undertones add complexity as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The palate arrives with juicy peach nectar, candied apple, and bold lemon candy flavors. Mid-palate, overripe golden apple and poached pear emerge alongside grapefruit nectar and pomelo. A thread of crushed-stone minerality provides essential structure, balancing the residual sugar and keeping the wine from veering into cloying territory.

Finish: The finish carries lively lime and lemon zest notes alongside lingering honeyed fruit. It is moderate in length, clean, and refreshingly tart despite the sweetness.

How to Drink Schlink Haus Auslese

Serve well chilled, between 45–50°F, in a tulip-shaped wine glass to focus the aromatic intensity. This wine is best enjoyed on its own as a dessert wine or alongside food rather than in cocktails. That said, it works beautifully in a Riesling Spritz — topped with sparkling water and a citrus twist for a low-alcohol aperitif. It also suits a White Wine Sangria, where its natural sweetness and tropical fruit character replace added sugar. For a simple warm-weather serve, try it in a German Wine Cooler over ice with a splash of soda and fresh peach slices.

Best For

• Introducing newcomers to German Prädikat wines and the Auslese category
• Pairing with a holiday cheese course or Thanksgiving dessert
• Gifting to someone who enjoys sweeter white wines — the cobalt blue bottle makes a striking presentation
• After-dinner sipping in place of a heavier dessert

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Schlink Haus Auslese taste like? It is a medium-sweet Riesling dominated by honeyed apricot, candied apple, pineapple, and grapefruit nectar, with a backbone of crushed-stone minerality that keeps the sweetness in check.

How does Schlink Haus Auslese compare to St. Christopher Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Auslese? Both are affordable German Auslese Rieslings, but they come from different regions — Schlink Haus from the Nahe and St. Christopher from the Mosel's Piesporter Goldtröpfchen vineyard. The Nahe origin of Schlink Haus tends to produce slightly broader fruit and earthier mineral character, while Piesporter Goldtröpfchen expressions often lean toward slate-driven minerality and higher acidity.

Is Schlink Haus Auslese good for beginners? Yes — its approachable sweetness, lower alcohol (around 8%), and vivid fruit flavors make it one of the most accessible entry points into German Prädikat wines and the concept of botrytis-affected Riesling.

Where is Schlink Haus Auslese made? It is produced by the Gunther Schlink winery in the Nahe wine region of Germany, an area known for diverse soil types and expressive, mineral-driven Rieslings.

What foods pair well with Schlink Haus Auslese? Creamy blue cheese such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola balances beautifully against the wine's sweetness. Fruit tarts and crème brûlée echo its apricot and apple notes. Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes benefit from the residual sugar, which tempers heat. Foie gras or duck liver pâté is a classic Auslese pairing, and roasted pork with a fruit glaze bridges the savory-sweet divide.

What sizes does Schlink Haus Auslese come in? It is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, presented in the Schlink family's signature cobalt blue glass.

Is Schlink Haus Auslese worth the price? It positions firmly in the entry-level tier for Auslese-class German Riesling, making it one of the more affordable ways to experience a genuine botrytis-influenced wine without the cost associated with higher-end Nahe or Mosel producers.

Why Schlink Haus Auslese?

What sets this wine apart at its price point is authentic noble rot character — hand-selected botrytis grapes that deliver concentrated tropical and stone fruit intensity rarely found in budget-friendly sweet wines. The Schlink family's 130-plus years of winemaking in the Nahe lend genuine heritage to a bottle that could otherwise be dismissed as a simple sweet Riesling. Wine Enthusiast has reviewed recent vintages, awarding 85 points to the 2022, confirming it as a competent, straightforward expression of the Auslese style. For anyone looking to explore German Prädikat wines or simply seeking a well-balanced dessert wine with real provenance, the cobalt blue bottle delivers more substance than its modest positioning might suggest.