Zilliken
- Riesling Icons from the Saar: Historic family estate crafting some of Germany’s most elegant and age-worthy Rieslings since the 18th century.
- Steep Slopes, Slate Soils: Centered around the famed Saarburger Rausch vineyard, known for producing wines of minerality and tension.
- Traditional Winemaking: Spontaneous fermentations in neutral fuder casks preserve purity and terroir expression.
- From Dry to Noble Sweet: A complete Riesling portfolio, from crisp Kabinett to majestic Auslese, defined by precision, balance, and longevity.
Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken – Saar Purity in Every Drop
At the southern tip of the Mosel, nestled in the cooler, wind-swept subregion of the Saar, lies Weingut Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken, a historic estate whose name is synonymous with precision, elegance, and age-worthy Riesling. Family-owned and operated for generations, the estate dates back to the 18th century, and today it is helmed by Hanno and Dorothee Zilliken, who continue the tradition of crafting Rieslings that capture the crystalline essence of this exceptional terroir.
The heart of the estate is the legendary Saarburger Rausch vineyard, a steep, rocky hillside of Devonian slate that produces wines of thrilling acidity, minerality, and finesse. The Zillikens farm their vines organically, with meticulous care and respect for the land, working almost exclusively with Riesling, the grape that finds its purest, most transparent expression in the Saar’s cool climate.
In the cellar, tradition is key: fermentations occur spontaneously in large, old fuder casks, with minimal intervention. The result is a stylistic signature defined by grace, energy, and longevity. Zilliken’s wines range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, including stunning Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, and noble sweet wines that are benchmarks for the entire Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region. Even at their most delicate, they carry immense depth, structure, and aging potential.
What sets Zilliken apart is not just pedigree and terroir, but the estate’s unwavering dedication to clarity, refinement, and expression. Each bottle is a reflection of the Saar’s singular voice: bright, pure, and unflinchingly honest.