Dr. Loosen, 2019
Riesling GG RESERVE 'Wehlener Sonnenuhr' "Im Laychen" 2019
Riesling GG RESERVE 'Wehlener Sonnenuhr' "Im Laychen" 2019
"GG" stands for "Grosses Gewächs," meaning it must be a dry wine from a first-class vineyard (grand cru). "Wehlener Sonnenuhr" is such a vineyard, in this case, the estate's most beautiful blue slate vineyard, facing full south, right on the Mosel. "Reserve" here means aging on the fine lees for no less than two years, which, oddly enough, gives the wine more finesse than power. When Dr. Loosen puts "Alte Reben" on its label, it means the average age of the vines must be over 100 years (!). This is the estate's 'prima ballerina,' extremely powerful yet full of finesse down to its toes. Complex stone fruit, blossom, citrus, a silky texture, and a very long, mineral 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.