The Loosen family has been producing wines in their wine cellar in Bernkastel-Kues, in the Moselle Valley, Germany, for over 200 years. Since 1988 Ernest Loosen, known as the Doctor drives it with passion and dedication. Despite the great tradition of the family, this winery has reached the fame, that distinguishes it today, only in recent times and thanks to Ernest who raised its fortunes, after these had precipitated anonymity, at the end of the Second World War.
A rather revolutionary decision of him was to dedicate to the production of dry riesling, breaking with the tradition of Spätlese and Auslese wines, with more or less important sugar residues, starting from the style of some old wines (dries in fact) produced by his grandfather, Dr. Adams. The technique of growing vines also changed, with the total abandonment of chemicals, replaced by organic fertilizer and natural remedies. In the cellar, finally, it was choosen the implementation of sustainable practices, such as the minimum use of water resources, energy autonomy and recycling of waste processing.
Among the six vineyards owned by the winery, the 1,6 hectares of Erdener Pralat (= Erden’s Bishop), is undoubtedly are most prestigious, as well as being one of the most important and renowned vineyard in all of Germany, with soils of red and iron slate, of volcanic origin (in substance blue slate oxidized) and a microclimate particularly warm, compared to the average cold climate of the area. The Erdener Prälat Riesling GG (Grosses Gewächs=Grand Cru) Rèserve Alte Reben (Old Vines) is made from the grapes of its oldest vines (about 120 years). The wine ages 24 months in barriques, in contact with yeast and without batonnage (the action of which would kill too much yeast), allowing the cask to create a reductive environment that contrasts the microoxidations usually given by wood. After another 24 months of aging in bottle the wine is placed on the market.
This 2011 vintage, with a brilliant straw yellow color, has a nose of white peach, plum, dried apricot and mango, with hints of freshly mown grass, wild honey, sultanas and slightly smoky mineral echoes. The mouthfeel is full and round, with a hint of glyceric sweetness immediately counterpointed with a remarkable freshness, and a return of the fruity sensation in the middle-palate that is followed by a long final echo of lacquering and sultanas.
Rating: 96/100
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