Description
With Goldberg 2025, Marius Kastien presents his first wine of his own, while also marking the beginning of the next generation within the family winery. Shortly before completing his studies in International Wine Business at Geisenheim University, the idea emerged to craft a wine entirely under his own direction – from selecting the grapes to overseeing the winemaking process in the cellar. Goldberg is therefore not only a Riesling from a distinctive vineyard site, but also an expression of a personal journey and the connection between tradition and modern viticultural education.
The wine takes its name from its origin in the Engehöller Goldemund vineyard. Particularly during the evening hours, the site reveals a remarkable play of colours as the last rays of sunlight bathe the steep slopes in warm golden hues. This unique atmosphere inspired the name “Goldberg” – a tribute to both its origin and the special character of this vineyard.
Engehöller Goldemund is located in a side valley of the Rhine, approximately 1.5 kilometres from the river itself. Like many of the finest vineyard sites of the Middle Rhine region, it faces south to southeast and benefits from abundant sunshine throughout the growing season. The vines are cultivated exclusively on steep slopes, requiring extensive manual labour – a defining factor in the quality and character of the wines produced here.
Geologically, the site combines the slate soils typical of the Middle Rhine with embedded quartzite layers and a comparatively high clay content. This unique soil composition gives the Rieslings of Goldemund a distinctive style. Rather than emphasizing pronounced slate-driven minerality, the wines are defined by clarity, freshness and precise fruit expression. Typical characteristics include aromas of orchard fruits, delicate citrus notes and remarkable elegance.
The 2025 vintage in the Middle Rhine was characterised by rapid ripening and an exceptionally compact harvest period. The grapes were picked within a short window of time at optimal ripeness and in excellent health. The result is a collection of precise and expressive Rieslings with pure fruit, vibrant freshness and outstanding balance.
Goldberg 2025 was fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts and matured exclusively in stainless steel tanks to preserve the vineyard’s origin and character as authentically as possible. In the glass, it reveals a wild aromatic profile of candied ice quince, supported by a clear structure and a distinctly saline finish. The fruit is precise and layered, while lively acidity and saline nuances provide tension, depth and remarkable length.
With Goldberg 2025, Marius Kastien introduces a wine that bears his personal signature for the very first time. A Riesling that reflects the individuality of the Engehöller Goldemund vineyard while simultaneously marking the beginning of a new chapter for the family winery.
