Scharzhofberger Auslese Goldkapsel (capsule or)

Egon Müller decided to use a gold capsule instead of the traditional white one and since then these superior Auslese bottlings are known as "Goldkapsel". Even in great years, they are produced in small quantities only and are therefore usually reserved for the annual auction of "Der Große Ring" in Trier. Only the vintages of 2005, 2010 and 2018 produced enough Auslese Goldkapsel to offer themselves to the general market

At Weingut Egon Müller, the vineyards are not treated for Botrytis and harvesting often extends into November, so there will be some degree of Botrytis infection on the grapes most years. When there is sufficient noble rot, these grapes are harvested separately. Auslese gets its name from this selection process and the botrytis adds a different set of aromas and flavours to the wine. In addition there is the effect of concentration by evaporation and all these factors contribute to the very special character of Auslese. While Kabinett and to some extent Spätlese are "meditative", wines that do not open up at first sip but require some effort on the part of the taster, Auslese are much more easily accessible and open. They can be soft to very sweet, but they still have the acidity to match and although they are very appealing young, they have enormous ageing potential.

Auslese covers a wide range of sugar levels and therefore the best casks have traditionally been identified as "feine Auslese" or even "feinste Auslese". With the 1971 Wine Act, this was no longer possible and Egon Müller was faced with the decision to either make a single level of Auslese or to find another way of designating his best casks. He decided to use a gold cap instead of the traditional white one and since then these top Auslese bottlings have been known as "Goldkapsel". Even in great years, they are produced in small quantities only and are therefore usually reserved for the annual auction of "Der Große Ring" in Trier. Only the vintages of 2005, 2010 and 2018 produced enough Auslese Goldkapsel to be offered to the general market.