Dr Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spätlese 2017

Story

The Dr Loosen estate has been in the same family for over 200 years. Located in far western Germany, the Mosel valley’s steep, south-facing slopes create the perfect climate for Riesling, giving the vines ideal exposure to the sun. The cool climate allows the grapes to ripen slowly while retaining bright acidity. The Spätlese (late picked) designation means that the grapes get an extra week or two of hang time, which helps them develop higher ripeness levels and deeper flavours than the Kabinett wine. The Erdener Treppchen vineyard is so steep that, long ago, stone steps were built into the hillside to help workers reach the vines. The iron-infused, red slate soil produces wines that are muscular and complex, with an intense mineral finish. The Erdener Treppchen Riesling is a fruit-driven Riesling that combines extraordinary concentration and length with bracing minerality. If Riesling has never appealed then Dr Loosen’s range is a perfect starting point for education. One can literally taste through a map of the Mosel River side by side. Then really focus and appreciate the differences these sites have to offer. More importantly, the value for money they offer is incredible. Crushed stone and bramble notes are brightened by hints of hibiscus nectar, lime and grapefruit in this crystalline medium-sweet Riesling. Citrus acidity on the midpalate is bracing yet balanced, coated by a lacy veil of sugar that lingers sweetly on the finish. This is a vibrant wine to enjoy now–2030. Winemag

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