Clemens Busch, Marienburg Spätlese QmP, 2018
Clemens Busch, Marienburg Spätlese QmP, 2018
- 75cl
- 8.5%
- Dessert
- Riesling
- Organic
- Biodynamic
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Couldn't load pickup availability
Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2048
Clemens Busch crafts some of the Mosel's most compelling Rieslings from the legendary Marienburg vineyard, where ancient vines cling to precipitous slate terraces above Pünderich. This Spätlese from 2018 captures everything we love about great Mosel wine: the thrilling interplay between sweetness and acidity, the mineral backbone that only comes from pure slate, and that distinctive Busch intensity.
Already drinking beautifully but built for the long haul, this wine balances honeyed stone fruits with electric acidity and a core of steely minerality.
Currently showing primary stone fruit character with developing honeyed complexity, this wine will gradually integrate its sweetness and acidity over the next 5-7 years. Secondary petrol and mineral notes will emerge around 2030, whilst the wine reaches its plateau between 2035-2040. The finest examples of Marienburg Spätlese can age gracefully for decades, developing extraordinary complexity whilst retaining their essential vibrancy and mineral core.
What the critics say:
"A very impressive Spätlese that’s so aromatic and expressive; it leads with dried apricots, passion fruit, melon sorbet, milk ice cream and earth. Sweet and powerful for this category, but the acidity runs right through the center palate, bringing the stone-fruit and tropical flavors to life and leaving the mouth with wicked resolve. Drink now."
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale gold with brilliant clarity and a slight green tinge around the rim.
NoseHoneyed peach and apricot mingle with wet slate and white flowers. There's a compelling tension between the fruit's richness and an underlying mineral precision that keeps drawing you back to the glass.
PalateThe attack is pure and focused, with stone fruits supported by vibrant acidity and a core of slate minerality. The residual sweetness is perfectly balanced, never cloying, whilst citrus zest adds freshness and complexity.
FinishLong and mineral-driven with echoes of stone fruit and a saline quality that speaks of pure slate.
Overall impressionA Spätlese that exemplifies why great Mosel Riesling ages so gracefully.
Food Pairings
Along the Mosel, locals pair Spätlese with the region's famous Sauerbraten, where the wine's acidity cuts through the rich, marinated beef whilst its touch of sweetness complements the gravy's subtle sweetness. River trout with herbs is another classic match, as is the local Döppekuchen, a hearty potato and meat casserole. The wine's versatility also makes it perfect with spicy Asian cuisine, particularly Thai or Vietnamese dishes where the sweetness tames heat whilst the acidity refreshes the palate.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C in proper Riesling glasses to concentrate the aromatics. No decanting needed, though the wine benefits from a few minutes in the glass to open up. The narrow bowl of a traditional German Römer glass works well, but we prefer modern Riesling-specific stems that showcase both the wine's delicate aromatics and mineral precision.
The Marienburg vineyard sits on precipitous slopes of pure grey and red slate above the village of Pünderich in the Middle Mosel. These ancient soils, combined with perfect southern exposure and protection from harsh winds, create ideal conditions for slow ripening. The slate retains heat during cool nights whilst providing the mineral backbone that defines great Mosel Riesling, resulting in wines of remarkable tension and longevity.
Mosel Spätlese represents the perfect marriage of ripeness and acidity that makes German Riesling legendary. The QmP classification ensures the grapes reached full physiological ripeness without chaptalisation, whilst the Spätlese designation indicates late-harvest fruit with concentrated flavours. This is Mosel Riesling at its most expressive: balancing residual sweetness with razor-sharp acidity and profound minerality.
The 2018 Mosel vintage was shaped by a relentlessly dry, hot summer that had growers nervously watching their vines through the longest drought in decades. The parched conditions concentrated flavours wonderfully but also meant careful canopy management became absolutely critical. Harvest came early and fast, with many estates picking their Kabinett fruit in September rather than the usual October marathon.
What emerged were Rieslings with surprising power wrapped in that unmistakable Mosel delicacy - think intense citrus and stone fruit flavours but with the mineral backbone intact. The best wines manage to be both ripe and racy, though some producers struggled with the balance and ended up with wines that feel a touch heavy for the region. We're drinking these with real pleasure now, as they've developed lovely honeyed textures whilst keeping their freshness, and they should continue rewarding cellaring until 2030.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Honeyed stone fruits balanced by vibrant acidity and slate minerality, with a touch of residual sweetness that never feels cloying.
When should I drink this wine?
Drinking beautifully now but will reward patience, reaching its peak between 2035-2040 and aging gracefully until 2048.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Excellent with spicy Asian cuisine, rich German dishes like Sauerbraten, or river fish with herbs - the acidity and sweetness create perfect balance.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C in proper Riesling glasses to showcase both the delicate aromatics and mineral precision.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
Absolutely - great Mosel Spätlese ages magnificently, developing secondary complexity whilst retaining essential vibrancy for decades.
What makes Marienburg special?
One of the Mosel's greatest vineyards, with precipitous slate slopes that create wines of remarkable tension, minerality, and aging potential.
-
-
Speak to one of our Wine Gurus
Speak to a Wine GuruWith years of experience, our team can help you with all your wine buying and selling needs