Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Dry GG Alte Reben 2012

The famous “sundial” vineyard, in the village of Wehlen, produces the quintessential Mosel Riesling: delicate and refined, with racy minerality and endless charm. Grosses Gewachs (GG) means “great growth” in German and is the designation for an estate’s best dry wine from a Grosse Lage (grand cru) vineyard. This wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts in a neutral oak cask, and kept on the full lees for a year before bottling. The extended maturation time allows the wine to develop greater texture and to find its natural harmony.

The famous “sundial” vineyard, in the village of Wehlen, produces the quintessential Mosel Riesling: delicate and refined, with racy minerality and endless charm. Grosses Gewachs (GG) means “great growth” in German and is the designation for an estate’s best dry wine from a Grosse Lage (grand cru) vineyard. This wine was fermented with indigenous yeasts in a neutral oak cask, and kept on the full lees for a year before bottling. The extended maturation time allows the wine to develop greater texture and to find its natural harmony.

Ürzig produces wines of a completely unique nature, showcasing the typically exotic fruit flavors of the “spice garden,” with a rich texture, gentle acidity and lingering finish. Grosses Gewächs (GG) means “great growth” and is the designation for an estate’s best dry wine from a Grosse Lage (grand cru) vineyard. This “great growth” Riesling is from a parcel of extremely old vines (“alte Reben”) that lies directly behind the village and is still referred to by its historical name, Urglück (“original luck”).

This was quite yeasty when poured but quickly opened up. Stunning nose of wild strawberry, peach and spice. Still medium-bodied, but with some real old-vine intensity, then a dazzling finish in which all the spice returns.