Dr. Loosen, 2018
Riesling GG RESERVE ‘Erdener Prälat’ Alte Reben 2018
Riesling GG RESERVE ‘Erdener Prälat’ Alte Reben 2018
‘GG’ stands for ‘Grosses Gewächs’ (Great Growth), meaning it must be a dry wine from a premier cru vineyard (grand cru). ‘Erdener Prälat’ is considered the most perfect red slate vineyard in the Mittelmosel, 100% south-facing, directly on the Moselle, completely protected by rock formations, etc. ‘Reserve’ here means aging on fine lees for no less than two years, which, strangely enough, gives the wine more finesse than power. When Dr. Loosen puts ‘Alte Reben’ (Old Vines) on his label, it means the average age of the vines must be over 100 years (!). A very intense wine, full of peach, apricot, and tropical fruit. Incredibly complex, a rich and generous wine with a silky texture and a very long finish.
Meer over Dr. Loosen
Meer over Dr. Loosen
The Dr. Loosen winery is located between Bernkastel and Graach, on the middle Moselle. It has been a family business for 200 years. Ernst (Erni to intimates) Loosen took over in 1988 and brought the company to the top, both nationally and internationally. This was partly achieved by tirelessly traveling the world to spread the gospel of Riesling.
The vineyard area of this estate is of unparalleled quality, with the best positions in Erste Lagen (Grand Cru vineyards) on the Middle Moselle: on the blue slate of Bernkasteler Lay, Graacher Domprobst and Himmelreich, and Wehlener Sonnenuhr, on the red volcanic rock of Ürziger Würzgarten, and on the red slate of Erdener Treppchen and Prälat. The latter vineyard (the best in the Middle Moselle) measures only 1.6 hectares, of which Loosen owns almost half.
If this isn't enough: all his vines rest on their original rootstocks: Phylloxera has never been to this part of the Moselle. Wines from Alte Reben (old vines) with an average age of over 100 (!) years are therefore not uncommon.
The winery traditionally specializes in making dry (Riesling) wines, although they also produce some off-dry to noble sweet wines.
