St. Antony has been producing wine since the end of World War I and was officially founded in 1920 by the “Guten Hoffnungshütte” in Rheinhessen. The first vintage was 1918, a year when Europe was in ruins. Since 1990, this small craft winery has been a member of the Verband Deutscher Prädikats- und Qualitätsweingüter (VDP), and it has been working with certified organic standards since 2006.
Located near the Rhine, St. Antony owns a breathtaking wine landscape spanning 60 hectares of vineyards, primarily in the Rote Hang area in Nierstein. While Riesling is the star varietal, the winery also produces Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Blaufränkisch. This diversity, paired with their commitment to sustainability and innovation, makes St. Antony a true gem in the Rheinhessen wine region.
8 Must-Try VDP Wines from St. Antony Winery
#1. St. Antony Rotschiefer 2021 – Riesling
One of the highlights of St. Antony’s offerings is the Rotschiefer 2021, a dry Riesling that beautifully reflects the winery’s terroir. The name “Rotschiefer” (“red slate”) pays homage to the red slate soils of the Pettenthal vineyard, which impart a distinctive minerality and vibrancy to the wine.
Tasting Notes:
- Finish: Long and lively, leaving impressions of citrus zest and saline minerality.
- Appearance: Bright straw-yellow with greenish reflections, showcasing its youthful freshness.
- Aroma: Ripe peach and apricot aromas meld seamlessly with zesty citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit. Hints of flint and wet slate add complexity.
- Palate: Vibrant and well-structured, with crisp acidity balancing ripe fruit flavors. A pronounced minerality adds depth, culminating in a clean, refreshing finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The Rotschiefer 2021 pairs wonderfully with:
Light salads with citrus vinaigrettes.
Fresh seafood such as oysters or grilled prawns.
Asian dishes like sushi or lightly spiced Thai curries.
Creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
#2. St. Antony Nierstein 2021 – Riesling
Another standout from St. Antony is the Nierstein 2021, a beautifully balanced Riesling that showcases the unique terroir of the Nierstein vineyards. This wine is crafted to highlight the interplay between fruit, minerality, and acidity.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Pale yellow with a subtle golden hue, hinting at its richness.
- Aroma: A bouquet of green apple, lime, and white peach, complemented by floral undertones and a hint of crushed stone.
- Palate: The wine is vibrant and layered, with notes of citrus and green herbs intertwined with a distinct stony minerality. The refreshing acidity provides structure and balance, making it incredibly food-friendly.
- Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering notes of lime zest and wet slate.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The Nierstein 2021 pairs beautifully with:
Soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta.
Grilled fish such as sea bass or trout.
Fresh salads with citrus or herb-based dressings.
Asian dishes like green curry or ginger-infused stir-fries.
#3. St. Antony Orbel 2021 GG – Riesling
The St. Antony Orbel 2021 GG (Grosses Gewächs) is a powerful expression of the Rheinhessen’s terroir. Hailing from the Orbel vineyard, a VDP.GROSSE LAGE site, this dry Riesling is a testament to the winery’s dedication to precision and authenticity.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Radiant pale gold with a subtle greenish shimmer, reflecting its freshness and vibrancy.
- Aroma: A complex bouquet of ripe yellow peach, apricot, and green apple, intertwined with notes of crushed herbs, wet stone, and a faint hint of jasmine.
- Palate: Full-bodied and intense, this wine delivers layers of juicy stone fruits, citrus zest, and a pronounced saline minerality. The acidity is lively, providing structure and balance to the rich texture.
- Finish: Long and persistent, with a harmonious blend of fruit and minerality that lingers elegantly on the palate. It feels like a ballerina dancing on your tongue.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
The Orbel 2021 GG pairs beautifully with:
A selection of semi-hard cheeses such as Manchego or aged Gouda.
Pan-seared scallops or lobster in a buttery sauce.
Herb-crusted pork tenderloin or roasted poultry.
Asian-inspired dishes like miso-glazed cod or Thai green curry.
#4. St. Antony Zehnmorgen GG 2019 – Riesling
The St. Antony Zehnmorgen GG 2019 is a dry Riesling that exemplifies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and terroir expression.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Bright golden-yellow with luminous clarity, hinting at its depth and complexity.
- Aroma: Captivating aromas of apple, pear, peach, and cream, with subtle petrol notes adding intrigue and authenticity.
- Palate: Medium-bodied with high acidity, the wine displays a harmonious balance between its vibrant citrus zest, ripe stone fruit flavors, and pronounced minerality. The texture is elegant and structured, reflecting the limestone-rich soils of the vineyard.
- Finish: Exceptionally long and clean, with lingering impressions of citrus and wet stone.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The Zehnmorgen GG 2019 pairs wonderfully with:
Aged cheeses like Gruyère or Comté.
Pan-seared scallops or grilled prawns with lemon butter.
Roasted poultry or duck with herb seasoning.
#5. St. Antony Pettenthal GG 2017 – Riesling
The St. Antony Pettenthal GG 2017 is a profound expression of Riesling from the famed Pettenthal vineyard, a VDP.GROSSE LAGE site known for its steep slopes and red slate soils.
Tasting Notes:
- Aroma: The nose is a complex medley of Mirabelle plum, ripe yellow fruits, subtle slate spice, and a whisper of wax, creating an inviting and intricate bouquet.
- Palate: On the palate, it is powerful and dense, with remarkable tension that balances the ripe fruit flavors. The acidity is ripe yet sufficiently supportive, weaving through smooth, viscous layers that add weight and texture to the wine.
- Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, marked by tactile minerality and a lingering impression of slate and citrus zest.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
The Pettenthal GG 2017 pairs exquisitely with:
Aged goat cheese or washed-rind cheeses like Taleggio.
Grilled white fish or poached salmon with a beurre blanc sauce.
Pork tenderloin with a stone fruit glaze.
Asian-inspired dishes such as duck pancakes or soy-glazed sea bass.
#6. St. Antony Pettenthal GG 2021 – Riesling
The St. Antony Pettenthal GG 2021 is a shining example of what makes dry Riesling from the Rheinhessen region so exceptional. This wine hails from the renowned Pettenthal vineyard, a VDP.GROSSE LAGE site, known for its steep slopes and red slate soils that impart a distinctive character.
Tasting Notes:
- Colour: Straw yellow with green reflections, indicative of its freshness and vitality.
- Aroma: Intense and layered, with ripe citrus fruits, grapefruit, gooseberries, and richer fruits like pineapple, ripe pear, quince, fresh melon, and guava. A whiff of Mediterranean herbs and wet stones adds complexity.
- Palate: This wine defines a “big, dry Riesling” with its rich fruit, fullness, and powerful opulence. It delivers aching intensity and a steely, straight backbone, supported by a ripe acidity. Smooth, viscous layers provide depth and weight, while tactile minerality enhances the wine’s bold character.
- Finish: Exceptionally long, leaving impressions of fruit, slate spice, and tactile minerality.
Serving Suggestions: The Pettenthal GG 2021 is immensely versatile and pairs beautifully with:
Even red meats, such as steak, for those looking to experiment.
Light fish and shellfish dishes.
Heartier fare like roasted poultry or pork chops.
#7. St. Antony Weissburgunder 2022 – Pinot Blanc
The St. Antony Weissburgunder 2022 is a remarkable Pinot Blanc highlighting the winery’s mastery of crafting elegant and approachable wines. This vintage is a fresh and vibrant expression of Weissburgunder, offering a delightful balance of fruit, acidity, and texture. I liked this wine a lot.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Light golden-yellow with a luminous clarity that hints at its freshness.
- Aroma: Inviting notes of pear, green apple, and white flowers, with subtle nuances of almond and a touch of citrus.
- Palate: Silky and well-rounded, featuring flavors of ripe pear, quince, and a delicate nuttiness. The acidity is vibrant yet balanced, lending the wine a refreshing quality.
- Finish: Clean and persistent, leaving a lingering impression of citrus zest and a hint of minerality.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The Weissburgunder 2022 is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Soft cheeses like Brie or Havarti.
Roast chicken or turkey with herb seasoning.
Cream-based pasta dishes, such as fettuccine Alfredo.
Grilled vegetables, especially asparagus and zucchini.
#8. St. Antony Chardonnay 2022
The St. Antony Chardonnay 2022 is a remarkable showcase of craftsmanship and terroir-driven winemaking. Fermented spontaneously using natural yeasts from the vineyards, this wine highlights purity and authenticity without the addition of commercial yeasts. A slower process makes better wine when relying on nature.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Pale golden hue with shimmering clarity, inviting you into its richness.
- Aroma: The bouquet unfolds with enticing notes of apple pie, ripe pear, honey, and cream, creating a warm and inviting aroma profile.
- Palate: Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, the wine displays medium-plus acidity that enlivens the palate. Flavors of golden apple and quince are seamlessly integrated with its creamy texture.
- Finish: Long and refined, leaving lingering impressions of citrus zest and a subtle minerality.
Food Pairing Suggestions: The Chardonnay 2022 pairs beautifully with:
A selection of aged cheeses like Gruyère or Comté.
Grilled salmon or buttery lobster dishes.
Cream-based pasta dishes, such as fettuccine Alfredo.
Roast chicken with a lemon-herb glaze.
Conclusion
I visited St. Antony winery as part of an incredible day trip from Frankfurt, which included stops at three other remarkable wineries. The tour was expertly organized and led by Carl, a passionate and knowledgeable wine connoisseur who made the experience truly unforgettable. It was, without a doubt, one of the best wine tours I’ve ever been on, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the region. You can book the same tour here: Rhine Valley Wine Tasting Tour from Frankfurt and Mainz
Carl not only shared his extensive expertise but also offered shipping services, making it easy to bring home a selection of wines from the day. During the tour, I purchased several bottles from the wineries and had them conveniently shipped back home. This seamless process added to the overall enjoyment of an already exceptional day, combining exquisite wines, breathtaking landscapes, and outstanding hospitality.
