Dr Loosen Erdener Red Slate Riesling Dry

Description

Dr Loosen Erdener Red Slate Riesling Dry is the new name for Dr Loosen Red Slate Dry Riesling. The grapes are produced exclusively from grapes grown in estate-owned vineyards in Erden which are characterised as having iron-rich red slate soil. It is classified as a trocken, i.e. dry riesling. Previous versions had grapes from Urzig.

Winemaking Legend Dr Ernst Loosen

The Loosen estate, a family-owned winery for over 200 years, came under Ernst Loosen’s stewardship in 1988. Recognising the potential of ungrafted vines averaging 60 years old in some of Germany’s top-rated vineyards, Ernst saw the opportunity to craft world-class, intensely flavoured wines using these exceptional raw materials.

To realise this vision, Ernst implemented significant changes, including drastically reducing crop sizes to enhance grape quality and ceasing chemical fertilisation in favour of moderate organic fertilisers. Most crucially, he adopted gentler cellar practices, minimising handling and technological intervention to allow the wines to fully express their potential.

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 Best Vineyards in The Mosel

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. The 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. All viticulture is sustainable, according to strict German environmental regulations.

Dr Loosen Erdener Red Slate Riesling Dry Vinification

Dr Loosen Erdener Red Slate Riesling Dry is fermented using native yeast in 3000 Litre neutral oak casks and is matured on the full lees for 8-12 months before bottling. The extended lees contact stabilizes the wine naturally and gives it time to develop a harmonious balance.

Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.