Oliver Zeter Riesling 2023

Rieslings from the Pfalz tends to be a little less floral than their cousins from further north in Germany, but what they lack in perfume, they more than make up for in weight and juicy concentration. This one perfectly captures the style - crisp, tangy, and precise, thanks to being fermented in a mix of stainless steel and large oak barrels that adds just a touch of texture. Zesty citrus and a hint of stone fruit lead the way, backed by racy acidity and a whisper of minerality. Lees ageing rounds it out, giving it depth without dulling its vibrancy. Fresh, characterful, and unmistakably Pfalz.

Versatile and full of energy, this is just as good with fresh, delicate dishes as it is with something a bit richer or mildly spiced. Try it with citrusy ceviche, pan-fried sea bass with beurre blanc, or a fragrant Thai green curry, the ripeness, zippy acidity, and touch of weight make it a lovely match.

Oliver Zeter didn't inherit a winemaking dynasty - he built one. Coming from a family of wine importers, he struck out on his own in 2007 and, in fairly short order, made a name for himself. Based in the Pfalz, one of Germany's warmer regions, his wines have that ideal mix of ripeness and freshness - more generous than those from the Mosel, or Rheinhessen further north, but still with a bit of zip. The style? Expressive, fruit-forward, and precise, balancing German winemaking tradition with a modern, crowd-pleasing edge. No surprise, then, that they've found plenty of fans well beyond their home turf.