Dr Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett

Wine information: The Dr. Loosen estate has been in the same family for over 200 years. When Ernst Loosen (pronounced loh-zen) assumed ownership in 1988, he realized that with ungrafted vines averaging 60 years old in some of Germany’s best-rated vineyards, he had the raw materials to create stunningly intense, world-class wines. To achieve this, Ernst dramatically reduced his crop size and stopped all chemical fertilization, preferring only moderate use of organic fertilizers. And, most importantly, he turned to gentler cellar practices that allow the wine to develop its full potential with a minimum of handling and technological meddling. Dr. Loosen is consistently ranked among the top ten wine estates in Germany, alongside such renowned producers as J.J. Prüm, Fritz Haag, Egon Müller, Robert Weil and Hermann Dönnhoff. The Mosel's steep, south facing slopes and the proximity of the river create a perfect microclimate for Riesling. The vines get ideal exposure to the sun for excellent ripeness. Cool nights, even in the middle of summer maintain the racy acidity in the grapes that is essential for clean, crisp Riesling. The river reflects sunlight and holds heat to help ripen the fruit and protect the vines from freezing. Stony slate soil and numerous rocky outcroppings also hold the heat of the day and ensure full ripeness. Thin topsoil forces the vines to dig deep for nutrients producing intensely minerally and vibrant wines. Blazing red and insanely steep, the Ürziger Würzgarten (ERTS-ih-ger VERTS-gar-ten) vineyard fills the picturesque amphitheater formed by this dramatic bend in the river. Although it’s directly adjacent to the vineyards of Erden, it produces a completely different kind of wine, with exotic, spicy aromas and a mesmerizing earthiness. No other vineyard on the Mosel produces wines so bursting with tropical fruit flavors. The estate’s oldest vines are found here. Urziger Wurzgarten = The Spice Garden Vineyard at Urzig.

Tasting Notes: Very ripe and juicy, with a mouth-filling richness that is balanced by a firm, typically spicy minerality. At the end, there is a lovely lift to the dry finish.

Food & Wine match: This is a wonderful wine for richer foods. Its low alcohol makes it especially good with spicy Asian / fusion cuisine.

 
     

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