St Christopher Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Auslese

St Christopher Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Auslese is a sweet German Riesling from the Mosel region's prized Goldtröpfchen vineyard, bottled at 750ml. This Auslese-level expression draws its character from steep, south-facing slopes of Devonian slate — a site regarded as an unofficial Grand Cru of the Mosel. The 2022 vintage earned 86 points from Wine Enthusiast, which praised its concentrated peach and apricot flavors.

Quick Facts: Style: Auslese (sweet)  |  Origin: Piesport, Mosel, Germany  |  Varietal: 100% Riesling  |  Producer: St. Christopher

Production & Heritage

St. Christopher was established in 1992 as a collaboration between Manfred Bauer and Gunther Schlink. The Goldtröpfchen vineyard in Piesport is one of the Mosel's most celebrated sites, its precipitous south-facing gradient maximizing sun exposure while Devonian slate soils lend a mineral backbone and filigreed fruit character. This Auslese expression is made from hand-picked, fully ripened Riesling grapes — the Auslese designation under German wine law requires elevated must weights, meaning only bunches with significant natural sugar concentration are selected during harvest, resulting in a rich yet balanced sweet wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Initially restrained on the nose, then opening gradually to reveal delicate stone fruit and citrus blossom. Given time in the glass, ripe white peach and mango notes emerge with subtle slate minerality.

Taste: The entry is buoyantly fruity, with waves of ripe white peach, pear and yellow plum arriving in succession. The mid-palate reveals concentrated apricot alongside pink grapefruit and mango, all supported by that characteristic Devonian slate minerality. Despite the sweetness, the wine feels exceptionally light-footed rather than heavy or cloying.

Finish: A fine filigree of lime acidity frames the close, keeping the sweet fruit taut and refreshing. The finish lingers with bright citrus and a slate-driven mineral echo.

How to Drink Goldtröpfchen Auslese

Serve well chilled between 45–50°F in a tulip-shaped white wine glass to focus the aromatic intensity. This is a wine that rewards patient sipping on its own, though a small cube of ice on a warm evening is no crime. For a Riesling Spritz, combine a splash with sparkling water and a twist of lime for a low-alcohol aperitif. In a Hugo Cocktail, this Auslese's floral peach notes complement elderflower liqueur and fresh mint beautifully. A chilled Riesling Sangria made with sliced stone fruit and a touch of brandy showcases the wine's natural peach and plum character.

Best For

• Serving alongside spicy Thai or Szechuan cuisine where residual sugar tames heat
• Gifting to a German wine enthusiast or Riesling collector
• A dessert course alternative with fruit tarts, crème brûlée, or blue cheese
• Introducing curious drinkers to the elegance of Mosel sweet Riesling

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Goldtröpfchen Auslese taste like? This is a sweet, fruit-forward Riesling dominated by ripe white peach, pear, yellow plum and apricot, with pink grapefruit brightness and a slate mineral undertone. A pronounced vein of lime acidity keeps the sweetness balanced and refreshing.

How does Goldtröpfchen Auslese compare to Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese? Both are Mosel Auslese Rieslings from celebrated vineyard sites grown on slate, but Goldtröpfchen's south-facing exposure in Piesport tends to produce rounder, more peach-driven profiles, while Dr. Loosen's Erdener Treppchen often leans toward citrus and spice. St. Christopher generally positions at a more accessible price point than Dr. Loosen's single-vineyard offerings.

Is Goldtröpfchen Auslese good for beginners? Absolutely — its natural residual sweetness, lower alcohol and vibrant fruit make it one of the most approachable styles of German Riesling. The balancing acidity prevents it from tasting overly sugary, which often surprises first-time sweet wine drinkers.

Where is Goldtröpfchen Auslese made? It is produced by St. Christopher in the village of Piesport along the Mosel River in western Germany. The Goldtröpfchen vineyard is a steep, south-facing hillside of Devonian slate that has been cultivated since Roman times and is considered an unofficial Grand Cru of the Mosel.

What foods pair well with Goldtröpfchen Auslese? Spicy Asian dishes like pad Thai or green curry, where the sweetness counters chili heat; aged blue cheeses such as Roquefort, whose saltiness complements the residual sugar; fresh fruit tarts with peach or apricot; foie gras or duck liver pâté, where the acidity cuts through richness; and mild soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

What sizes does Goldtröpfchen Auslese come in? St. Christopher Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Auslese is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Goldtröpfchen Auslese worth the price? It positions as a value-tier Auslese, delivering Grand Cru-caliber vineyard provenance at a fraction of the cost charged by many top Mosel estates for the same classification. For drinkers exploring sweet German Riesling, it represents strong entry into a revered vineyard site without the premium of more limited-production bottlings.

Why Goldtröpfchen Auslese?

The Goldtröpfchen vineyard is among the Mosel's most storied sites — an unofficial Grand Cru whose steep Devonian slate slopes have produced acclaimed Riesling for centuries. St. Christopher's Auslese captures that pedigree at an approachable level, delivering concentrated stone fruit, mineral precision and textbook Mosel acidity in a single glass. The 86-point rating from Wine Enthusiast confirms its quality, while its accessible positioning makes it a genuine point of entry into one of Germany's greatest vineyards. For anyone seeking authentic, terroir-driven sweet Riesling without the collector pricing of the Mosel's most famous estates, this bottling delivers exactly that.