Peter Leipold, Silvaner Alte Reben R Trocken, 2023

Silvaner is Franken's signature grape, and this is Peter Leipold's old-vine tribute to it. 'Alte Reben' means old vines, here around 40 years of age, roots dug deep enough to give the wine real depth and grip. Leipold farms just six hectares near Volkach with a low-intervention hand, brief skin contact and lees aging that add texture without ever getting in the way. Bone-dry in the classic Franken style, this is Silvaner with substance, the kind that quietly converts skeptics. If you think Silvaner is simple, this old-vine 'R' is here to argue.