Dr. Loosen Riesling Wehlener Sonnennuhr Spatlese 2017

Dr. Loosen Riesling Wehlener Sonnennuhr Spatlese 2017

The Dr.Loosen company has been family-owned for more than 200 years. When Ernst Loosen took over in 1988, he understood that with free-ranging vines with an average age of 60 years in the most vocated vineyards in the central Mosel, he had the raw material to create wines of stunning intensity and world class. To do this, Ernst drastically reduced the crop and decided to use only a moderate amount of organic fertilizer.

All six of Dr.Loosen’s main vineyards were classified as “Grand Cru” in the Prussian classification, dated 1868. It was before the classification of Burgundy! On steep slopes with southern exposure to the Moselle, the proximity to the river creates an ideal microclimate for Riesling. The vines have ideal sun exposure to achieve perfect ripeness. Cool nights, even in midsummer, maintain the grape’s characteristic acidity, which is essential for a clean, lively Riesling. The river reflects the sun’s rays and retains heat, thus helping the grapes ripen and protecting the vines from frost. The rocky slate soil and numerous rock outcrops also retain the heat of the day and ensure full maturity. A thin surface layer forces the vines to dig deep into the soil to find nutrients, thus producing wines of intense minerality and vibrancy.

Because phylloxera cannot survive on the slate soil of the Mosel, Dr.Loosen’s vines now have an average age of 60 years and are still on their free standing. Old vines naturally produce a smaller yield with higher concentration and superior complexity.

VINEYARD

Wehlener Sonnenuhr (The Wehlen Sundial). Soil with blue slate.

AWARDS

Wine Spectator in ’05 declared Ernst Loosen “Man of the Year” for his work for Riesling around the world. He is president of the “Riesling Association” to promote Riesling in the world.

Decanter proclaimed him “White Winemaker of the Year” in 2006.