Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese 2023

Dr. Loosen's Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese comes from the famous Wehlen hillside, on Germany's Middle Mosel. This steep vineyard is planted on very steep blue slate slopes overlooking the river, providing optimal sun exposure and a large diurnal temperature range. The vines, often old and deeply rooted, benefit from a cool microclimate that preserves acidity and aromatic finesse. The combination of slate, proximity to the Mosel, and south to southwest-facing slopes gives the wine a particularly pure and mineral expression.

The Riesling grapes are harvested by hand on the steep Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard, to select only perfectly ripe berries. After gentle whole-bunch pressing, the must ferments slowly with indigenous yeasts in old oak foudres, at low temperatures, to preserve aromatic purity. Aging continues on fine lees in these large traditional containers, before bottling aims to retain freshness, mineral precision, and the natural balance between residual sugar and acidity.

This wine reveals notes of stone fruit, ripe citrus, and exotic fruit, complemented by delicate floral touches and a subtle mineral dimension typical of slate. On the palate, the texture is both juicy and silky, driven by a vibrant acidity that balances the residual sweetness. The texture is precise, with a persistent sensation of freshness and a long finish, marked by a very elegant citrus and saline aftertaste.

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.