Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling GG – A Mosel Riesling every bit as outstanding as you would expect
Germany’s oldest winegrowing region the Mosel is full of big names in wine. To be constantly counted among the best of the best, one needs to produce some really exquisite and outstanding wines.
Enters Ernst F. Loosen, who over the last decades has risen to the top of the top winemakers in the Mosel, Germany, and internationally.
Located not far from picturesque Bernkastel Kues in the Middle-Mosel, Weingut Dr. Loosen looks back at more than 200 years and since 1988 is owned and managed by Ernst Loosen.
The winery owns some of the best vineyards in the Mosel including Bernkasteller Lay, Bernkasteller Johannisbrünnchen, Graacher Himmelreich, Ürzinger Würzgarten, Erdener Treppchen and Wehlener Sonnenuhr.
The Middle-Mosel region with its south-facing steep slopes benefits from the moderating effect of the river, long daylight and sun exposure of the vines, stony slate soil high in minerals that reflects sunlight to the grapes during the day and retains the warmth during the night. In other words, the area offers perfect conditions for a long growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and keep a refreshing acidity.
The characteristic of local soils furthermore helped to keep most of the Mosel free from phylloxera. Consequently, the area boasts vines more than 100 years old and still on original rootstock producing more concentrated and terroir-expressive wines.
Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling GG Alte Reben – Tasting Notes
Ürziger Würzgarten is one of the outstanding vineyards of the Mosel region. Red slate that has almost weathered to clay and the extremely steep amphitheatre allow the grapes to develop a unique structure.
VDP.Große Lage is a designation given to the highest quality German vineyards and grapes need to be selectively harvested by hand with a limitation of 50 hl per hectare maximum yield. The Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling GG (Grosses Gewächs) Alte Reben is one of nine wines classified Grosses Gewächs (equivalent to Grand Cru) made at Dr. Loosen winery.
The wine is made from 100% Riesling grapes grown on vines which are over 120 years old, among the oldest the winery possesses. Fermentation of the wine took place naturally and spontaneously and rests on the full yeast for 12 months in used oak barrels.
In the glass, a bright medium yellow with green reflections.
On the nose, the wine lives up to its name (Würzgarten literally translating into spice/herb garden) displaying aromas of herbal spices such as lemongrass and sage along with fragrant aromas of grapefruit, peonies, raspberry, and pear followed by subtle hints of pineapple.
On the palate, full-bodies and juicy, with aromas of grapefruit, peonies, raspberry, and pear along with sandy tannins and gripping minerals. Rich and intense finish.
To pair with fish and seafood, shellfish, white meat, poultry, spicy Asian dishes, cured meats and salads.
The Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling GG already tastes delicious but this is also a white with substantial aging potential.
In conclusion
If you love Riesling – or need to be convinced this is a delicious wine to be enjoyed – you will not go wrong with any of the outstanding Rieslings from Dr. Loosen winery. Whether it’s the entry level wines or the superb Grosses Gewächs, the top wines of German VDP classification.
The excellent, balanced, and elegant Ürziger Würzgarten GG Alte Reben made from the winery’s oldest vines is the perfect wine for a special occasion or along a nice meal. An absolute pleasure to drink young but worthwhile to put a bottle or two aside for aging.
Carrots and Tigers 