Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett 2023

Located on the left bank of the Mosel, the Graacher Himmelreich vineyard stretches across steep slopes overlooking the village of Graach, between Bernkastel and Wehlen, in the heart of the Mittelmosel. Joh Jos Prüm's vines are planted on very stony, decomposed slate soils, facing mainly south and southwest, favoring a slow and complete ripening of the Riesling. The proximity of the river regulates temperatures and enhances morning fogs, ideal conditions for the refined and crystalline expression of this renowned terroir.

From the steep vines of Graacher Himmelreich, the grapes are harvested manually at precise ripeness, with careful sorting of the berries. The bunches are gently pressed to preserve the aromatic purity of the Riesling. The must ferments slowly with indigenous yeasts, at low temperatures, in old oak foudres typical of the Mosel, in order to maintain its finesse and freshness. Aging continues on fine lees in these large containers until bottling, without new wood, to preserve the crystalline expression of the terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus, green apple, and stone fruit, complemented by delicate floral touches, a pronounced mineral dimension, and subtle herbaceous nuances. The palate offers a silky texture, supported by a lively and precise acidity that balances the residual sweetness, with a lean structure and great purity. The finish is saline, persistent, and refreshing, leaving an impression of harmony and lightness.

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.