Riesling Kabinett Wehlener Sonnenuhr 2022, Dr. Loosen

Declared as one of the great vineyards around the world by Wine Spectator,  the vineyard name, Wehlener Sonnenuhr translates to 'The sundial of Wehlen' and is famous throughout the Mosel for its steepness as well as the rocky, blue Devonian slate soils. The stony slate soil, which can be seen on the surface of the vineyard, reflects sunlight to the grapes during the day while retaining heat throughout the cool nights. The slate has a high content of potassium and other minerals, making it a rich, natural source of nutrients for the vines. Thin, rocky topsoil forces the vines to dig deep for water, producing vibrant wines that capture the lively and distinctive mineral character of the soil.

2022 is known for being an especially warm vintage, which created ripe fruit flavors. However, this wine is still beautifully balanced, showcasing bright notes of green apple, citrus and delicate minerality. Picked at Kabinett level, the wine is intrinsically more soft and delicate. Aromatically the wine is extremely stony and flinty, with background scents of honeysuckle and white flowers. The palate has heaps of wonderfully juicy white peaches, as well as a citrus driven acidity that goes on and on.

About the Winery

The Dr. Loosen estate has been in the same family for over 200 years. When Ernst Loosen 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 restricts crop size, prohibits chemical fertilization, insists on very strict fruit selection, and employs gentle cellar practices that allow the wine to develop its full potential with a minimum of handling. 

The Mosel region’s generally cool climate, its steep, south-facing slopes, and the moderating effect of the river create ideal conditions for Riesling. The southerly exposure guarantees sunlight from morning to evening, while the steepness provides a more direct inclination of sunlight at our northern latitude. These conditions create a long growing season, which allows the grapes to ripen slowly while retaining their refreshing acidity.

Due to the very stony, well-drained soils, a large part of the Mosel region is still free from phylloxera. In its best sites, Dr. Loosen has vines that are up to 130 years old, on original rootstock. Old vines are less vigorous and produce wines that are naturally more concentrated and expressive of their terroir.