Stefan Muller Riesling Trocken Krettnacher 2023

Young Stefan Müller is quickly becoming the talk of the Saar, and for good reason. Eschewing the modern obsession with industrial precision, Müller works with a pragmatic organic approach that lets the rugged terroir of Krettnach speak for itself. This 2023 Trocken (dry) Riesling is a bracing reminder of why the Saar remains the epicenter for “acid freaks” and mineral hunters alike.

This isn’t just a dry Riesling; it’s a high-voltage trip through the blue and green slate soils of the Krettnacher Euchariusberg. The nose is a dizzying mix of green apple, yuzu, and a distinct smoky-herbal character that borders on savory. On the palate, it’s lean, mean, and laser-focused, with a crunchy texture and a saline finish that makes your mouth water for the next sip.

Weingut Stefan Müller is a 10-hectare estate where tradition meets a restless, modern spirit. Stefan uses wild yeasts and ages his wines in a mix of stainless steel and old fuder barrels, letting each parcel decide its own path. His labels feature topographical maps of the vineyards—a fitting tribute to wines that are, above all, a map of the place they were grown.