Schmitt Sohne Riesling Auslese

Schmitt Söhne Riesling Auslese is a late-harvest German Riesling from the Mosel region, bottled at 8.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Designated Auslese under the German Prädikatswein classification, this wine is made from fully ripe, hand-selected grape clusters — sometimes picked two months after the initial harvest begins — resulting in a richly concentrated, naturally sweet Riesling with notable depth.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.5%  |  Origin: Mosel, Germany  |  Auslese (Prädikatswein)  |  Producer: Schmitt Söhne GmbH Weinkellerei

Production & Heritage

Schmitt Söhne GmbH Weinkellerei operates from the village of Longuich in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, one of Germany's most celebrated Riesling corridors. The Mosel's distinctive slate soils absorb heat during the day and release it to the vines at night, naturally encouraging ripening without sacrificing the grape's hallmark acidity. Grapes destined for this Auslese are harvested in the cool early morning hours, rushed to the winery, destemmed, and fermented in stainless steel tanks — a deliberate choice that preserves the crisp acidity and pure fruit character of the 100% Riesling varietal. The Auslese designation requires grapes to reach a must weight of at least 83–100° Oechsle, ensuring the concentrated sweetness that defines this style.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Wild honeysuckle and dried peach rise immediately from the glass, followed by a wave of floral honey and ripe tangerine. Underneath those primary layers, subtle mineral notes emerge — a direct signature of Mosel slate.

Taste: The entry is lush and full, with a burst of ripe apricot and nectarine that coats the palate. At mid-palate, citrus and green apple provide structure, keeping the sweetness in check. The peak delivers concentrated exotic fruit flavors — dried apricot and tangerine — woven with floral honey, while mineral undertones add tension and complexity.

Finish: The finish lingers with persistent honeyed fruit and a thread of bright acidity that refreshes rather than cloys. Floral and mineral tones echo through the close, giving the wine a sense of balance that invites another sip.

How to Drink Schmitt Söhne Auslese

This Auslese shines served well chilled, between 46–50°F (8–10°C), in a tulip-shaped white wine glass that concentrates its aromatic complexity. Sipping it on its own after dinner is the most traditional approach. For those seeking mixed-drink applications: a Riesling Spritz pairs the wine's natural sweetness with sparkling water and a lemon twist, highlighting its citrus backbone; a White Sangria built on this Auslese adds sliced stone fruit and fresh mint for a summer punch that needs no added sugar; and a Hugo cocktail variation — substituting this for Prosecco alongside elderflower syrup and fresh mint — amplifies the wine's honeysuckle aromatics beautifully.

Best For

• Pairing with a rich holiday cheese course or foie gras
• Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates classic German Riesling
• Serving as a dessert wine alternative alongside fruit tarts or crème brûlée
• Introducing someone new to the Prädikatswein classification system

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Schmitt Söhne Auslese taste like? It delivers concentrated flavors of dried apricot, nectarine, and floral honey, balanced by bright citrus acidity and a mineral undercurrent from Mosel slate soils. The overall impression is lush and sweet but not cloying, with a long, refreshing finish.

How does Schmitt Söhne Auslese compare to Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese? Both are Mosel Auslese Rieslings, but Egon Müller is an ultra-premium, single-vineyard bottling that regularly commands prices many times higher due to its rarity and critical acclaim. Schmitt Söhne offers a far more accessible entry point to the Auslese category while still showcasing the slate-driven minerality and fruit concentration characteristic of the Mosel.

Is Schmitt Söhne Auslese good for beginners? Yes — its lower 8.5% ABV and natural residual sweetness make it an approachable introduction to German Riesling, and its balanced acidity prevents the wine from tasting overly sugary.

Where is Schmitt Söhne Auslese made? It is produced by Schmitt Söhne GmbH Weinkellerei in Longuich, a village situated along the Mosel River in the Mosel wine region of western Germany.

What foods pair well with Schmitt Söhne Auslese? Spicy Thai or Szechuan dishes work well, as the residual sweetness tempers capsaicin heat. Blue cheese or Roquefort pairs naturally because the wine's honey and fruit offset the cheese's salinity. Fruit-based desserts like peach cobbler or apricot tart mirror the wine's core flavors. Pan-seared foie gras is a classic Auslese match, the wine's acidity cutting through the richness. Mild, creamy dishes like chicken in a lemon-cream sauce also complement its citrus profile.

What sizes does Schmitt Söhne Auslese come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.

Is Schmitt Söhne Auslese worth the price? It positions as an entry-level to mid-range Auslese, making it one of the more affordable ways to experience this Prädikatswein tier from the Mosel. For the quality of fruit concentration and the genuine Auslese designation it carries, it represents solid value within the German sweet-wine category.

Why Schmitt Söhne Auslese?

Genuine Auslese-level Riesling from the Mosel is not always easy to find at an accessible price point, and this is where Schmitt Söhne fills a real gap. The wine benefits from slate-soil viticulture and stainless steel vinification that together produce a concentrated yet precisely balanced expression of late-harvest Riesling. Its 8.5% ABV keeps the drinking experience light and refreshing despite the wine's richness, making it versatile at the table and approachable for newcomers and seasoned German-wine drinkers alike. For anyone seeking a legitimate Mosel Auslese without venturing into the rarefied pricing of single-vineyard estates, this remains a reliable and well-made choice.