Dr. Loosen Beerenauslese 2018

Located on the steep banks of the Mosel, the Dr. Loosen estate cultivates its vines on steep slopes with soils mainly composed of decomposed slate, which stores heat and promotes a slow and complete ripening of the Riesling. The plots designated for the Beerenauslese selections come from old, deeply rooted vines, offering very low yields but exceptional concentration. The refreshing influence of the Mosel and the cool climate preserve a lively acidity, essential for the balance of these exceptional sweet wines.

Made from hand-picked, overripe and botrytized grapes, this Beerenauslese is delicately pressed to obtain a very concentrated must. Fermentation takes place slowly, under temperature control, to preserve the aromatic intensity and the characteristic sugar/acid balance of the style. The wine is then aged in inert tanks or large barrels, on fine lees, to preserve the purity of the fruit and the precision of the botrytis, before bottling to reflect the natural richness and finesse of the Mosel terroir.

This wine reveals notes of candied apricot, very ripe peach, and quince, complemented by nuances of candied citrus and orange zest. There are also floral touches of flower honey, mineral accents of wet slate, and delicate spicy notes reminiscent of ginger. On the palate, the liqueur is rich and unctuous, supported by a chiseled acidity that extends the finish, offering a sensation that is at once velvety, fresh, and persistent.

Germany has a long and illustrious history of winemaking. The Romans established the country's first vineyards along the banks of the Moselle River, near the present-day city of Trier. By the third century AD, vineyards had spread to various neighboring valleys, primarily those of the Moselle's tributaries. During the Middle Ages, the Christian church, particularly the Cistercian and Benedictine monasteries, had a significant influence on the development of viticulture and the production of quality wine in Germany. Germany has always been renowned for its excellent white wines: slightly sweet, low in alcohol, but always of high quality. However, in recent years, wine drinkers have tended to prefer drier wines. Consequently, the German market has evolved to cater to all tastes with some splendid dry Rieslings and other white wine varieties, such as Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Grauburgunder. Warmer summers and milder winters have also favored rosés and reds, with Pinot Noir being the third most planted grape variety in the country. So, take your pick—from traditional Rieslings to great reds, the range is wide and still expanding. The German wine industry lost its way in terms of quality during the 20th century, expanding plantings onto less favorable sites and increasing yields to levels where quality was severely compromised. However, Germany's greatest wine producers were never completely lost, and since the end of the 20th century, considerable efforts have been made to restore Germany's former glory. Yields are now limited by law, and many leading producers have joined forces to form the VDP association (see German Wine Labels). Members of the VDP are bound by a commitment to focus their efforts on quality rather than quantity. In terms of volume, Germany ranks among the top ten countries in the world for annual wine production. Just over 60% of the wine produced is white, and it is widely acknowledged that the white wines from Germany's best vineyards and most reputable producers are among the finest in the world. German red wines are also gaining in popularity and quality, particularly those made from Spätburgunder, the local name for Pinot Noir. The second most popular red grape variety (in terms of planted hectares, at least) is Dornfelder.