Leonard Kreusch Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Auslese

Leonard Kreusch Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Auslese is a naturally sweet German Riesling from the Mosel region, bottled at approximately 8% ABV in a 750ml format. Awarded 88 points by Wine Enthusiast, this Auslese-level wine showcases the expressive fruit intensity and mineral backbone that have made Piesport one of the Mosel’s most recognized winegrowing villages.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~8% | Origin: Piesport, Mosel, Germany | Auslese (Prdikatswein) | Producer: Leonard Kreusch GmbH & Co., Trier

Production & Heritage

Leonard Kreusch GmbH & Co. is headquartered in Trier, one of the oldest cities in Germany and the historic gateway to the Mosel wine region. The Piesporter Michelsberg designation refers to a Grosslage a collective vineyard comprising multiple individual plots on the steep, south-facing slopes surrounding the village of Piesport along the northern bank of the Mosel River. The slate-laden soils of these vineyards store warmth from the sun and channel available precipitation directly to vine root systems, imparting a pronounced minerality to the finished wine. To earn the Auslese classification, grapes must reach a minimum of 88 Oechsle at harvest, indicating concentrated natural sugars achieved through extended hang time on the vine a threshold that demands both optimal ripeness and careful selective picking of 100% Riesling grapes.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with sheer tones of lemon and tart pineapple, building into ripe tropical notes of mango and tangerine. A subtle flinty quality from the slate soils threads beneath the fruit.

Taste: On entry, rich pear and sweet melon flavors coat the palate with a lush, honeyed sweetness. At mid-palate, citrus acidity lifts the residual sugar, preventing heaviness and introducing juicy tangerine and lime tones. The interplay between sugar and acidity creates a tension that keeps the wine balanced and lively despite its sweetness.

Finish: The finish carries nice length, tapering with a trace of stony minerality and lingering citrus peel. A clean, crisp close prevents the wine from cloying.

How to Drink Piesporter Michelsberg Auslese

Serve well chilled, between 4550F, in a tulip-shaped white wine glass to focus the aromatic intensity. This wine is best enjoyed on its own as a dessert wine or alongside food that matches its sweetness. A Riesling Spritz combining the Auslese with sparkling water and a sprig of mint makes a refreshing warm-weather aperitif that tempers the residual sugar. A Hugo Cocktail variation using this wine in place of Prosecco amplifies the elderflower-citrus interplay with Riesling’s tropical character. For a simple mixed serve, a Mosel Kir a splash of cassis topped with chilled Auslese plays the blackcurrant liqueur against the wine’s pear and melon fruit.

Best For

• Introducing a new wine drinker to German Riesling and the Prdikat classification system
• Pairing with a holiday dessert course fruit tarts, crme brle, or baked pears
• Gifting for someone who enjoys off-dry to sweet white wines
• Warm-afternoon sipping on a patio as a standalone pour

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Piesporter Michelsberg Auslese taste like? It presents rich pear, sweet melon, and tropical mango flavors balanced by bright citrus acidity and a stony mineral undertone. The finish is clean with lingering lemon peel and a trace of slate.

How does Leonard Kreusch compare to Hirschbach & Sohne Piesporter Michelsberg Auslese? Both wines draw from the same Grosslage designation in the Mosel, but Leonard Kreusch tends to emphasize pear and sweet melon with citrus-mineral notes on the finish, while Hirschbach & Sohne leans more toward stone fruit and honey character. The flavor profiles are complementary but noticeably distinct.

Is this Auslese good for beginners? Yes its natural sweetness and approachable 8% ABV make it one of the most accessible entries into quality German Riesling, while the balancing acidity rewards more experienced palates as well.

Where is Piesporter Michelsberg Auslese made? It is produced by Leonard Kreusch GmbH & Co. in Trier, Germany, using Riesling grapes grown in the Piesporter Michelsberg Grosslage a collection of vineyard plots on the steep, slate-rich slopes along the northern bank of the Mosel River near the village of Piesport.

What foods pair well with Piesporter Michelsberg Auslese? Spicy Thai or Szechuan dishes, where the wine’s sweetness cools the heat; aged blue cheese such as Roquefort, which contrasts the fruit; fruit-based desserts like apricot tart or peach cobbler that echo the tropical notes; foie gras or duck liver pt, a classic Auslese pairing; and mild, creamy cheeses like Brie that complement without competing.

What sizes does Piesporter Michelsberg Auslese come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle.

Is Piesporter Michelsberg Auslese worth the price? It positions as an entry-level Auslese, making it one of the more affordable ways to experience the Prdikat sweetness tier from a recognized Mosel vineyard designation strong value for the quality level and 88-point critical recognition.

Why Piesporter Michelsberg Auslese?

The Auslese classification is not merely a label it demands that every grape reaches 88 Oechsle, a sugar concentration level that cannot be artificially induced and reflects genuine ripeness from site and season. The Piesporter Michelsberg Grosslage, with its south-facing slate slopes along the Mosel, delivers a mineral signature that keeps the wine structured despite its residual sweetness. An 88-point rating from Wine Enthusiast confirms that Leonard Kreusch translates this terroir into a balanced, expressive bottle. For anyone seeking authentic German Riesling at the Auslese level without venturing into single-vineyard pricing, this remains a reliable and well-regarded benchmark.