Our Classification
There are a lot wine designations which might be confusing. Therefore here is a short explanation of the individual designations and declarations. We classify our site wines according to the classic Prädikatssystem: Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese. According to the wine law, the grapes for each quality level must have a higher sugar content at harvest.
For us the gradation also means a difference in complexity, minerality, aroma and fullness of the wine. Therefore, here is a brief description of our supplementary description:
Hochgewächs
The designation Hochgewächs belongs to the group of quality wines. Our Hochgewächs can best be described as entry-level wines with an aroma typical for the Mosel. They are an uncomplicated everyday wine. At the same time, they meet higher standards than the requirements for a quality wine specified by the wine law. The must used for production must have a natural alcohol content that is at least 7 degrees Oechsle above the guideline value. In addition, the wine must achieve at least 3 out of 5 points in the quality test, instead of the normal 1.5 out of 5.
Kabinett
The Kabinett wines are the entry into the Prädikatweine. Prädikatsweine generally may not be increased in alcohol content by adding sugar. The Kabinett wines are characterized by fine fruit and elegant, tangy acidity. They are comparatively filigree and are therefore excellently suited to lighter dishes such as chicken or fish. Experienced wine drinkers appreciate the filigree of the Kabinett wines. Despite the fineness, it does not lack the slate minerality typical of the Mosel.
Spätlese
Grapes which are used for a Spätlese have reached a higher physiological ripeness, which is why the aromas are more pronounced. Our Spätlese wines are multi-layered and complex and a real treat for the palate. No matter whether they are dry, semidry or with residual sweetness, they reflect the character of our sites. Additional stars within the Spätlese differ the value of the wines further.
Auslese
At this stage we usually only produce our fruity and noble sweet wines. In special vintages there is also semidry Auslese. In addition, the Großes Gewächs corresponds to a selection in the dry area. The wines have an animating fruit-sweet-acid game and a distinctive fruit aroma. In the glass they usually present themselves in intense colours and have a long finish. The Prädikat Auslese is supplemented by up to three stars, which indicates the significantly higher quality compared to the minimum requirements of the wine law.
Beerenauslese
Our Beerenauslese is only produced in suitable vintages. As with the Trockenbeerenauslese, the grapes are hand-selected and fermented in very small containers. The raisin-like drying of the berries on the vine leads to a concentration of all taste components, such as sugar, acidity and aromas. The alcohol content is relatively low. The aroma is even more pronounced than in a Auslese and is underlined by a slight botrytis note. These wines are best enjoyed with dessert or as a dessert.
Trockenbeerenauslese
Only hand-picked and selected raisin-like grapes are used for the Trockenbeerenauslese. Trockenbeerenauslese is the highest level in the Prädikatssystem, an absolute superlative in the noble sweet range. The golden colour and low viscosity remind of liquid gold and is something for absolute connoisseurs of the high-carat fruit sweetness. It can be stored for a particularly long time and gains in expression and harmony as it matures.
Our Grape varieties
Riesling
Riesling is the most important German grape variety and at the same time our hobbyhorse. Riesling reflects the terroir like no other wine - in all consistency, in all flavors. And this is exactly what makes the cultivation of Riesling as a grape variety and the production of Riesling wines so fascinating and exciting. The Riesling enables us to bring the character of a vineyard into the bottle with all its facets and this is exactly our passion.
The Riesling as a grape variety prefers climatically cooler wine-growing regions like the ones we have on the Mosel. Generally, the Riesling is a slowly ripening grape variety (in the 80s the Riesling is often not fully ripened). On the steep slopes of the Mosel you will find optimal conditions for achieving physiological ripeness, in which the intensive aroma formation takes place. The steep slopes have a very good orientation to the sun, which favors the ripening process in months of September and October. On the other hand, the slate stores the daytime heat very well and releases it back to the vines at night. The Mosel as some kind of heat store does the rest.
Our Mosel Rieslings convince with a fine citrus-fruit aroma and balanced sweet-acid play. The wines have received numerous awards and are of exceptional quality. Our spectrum of Riesling ranges from racy dry wines to the liquid gold from the steep slopes, the <em>Trockenbeerenauslese</em>.
Pinot noir
Pinot Noir, also known as blue Burgundy, is a very old and extremely high-quality grape variety. In terms of cultivation, it is no less demanding than Riesling and loves mainly warm climates and deep, nutrient-rich soils. For this reason, we also grow the Pinot Noir in our steep slopes. The cultivation of Pinot Noir was prohibited at the Mosel from 1930 to 1986. There are now numerous areas planted with Pinot Noir, and for good reason: The Pinot Noir wines from the Mosel can certainly keep up with the "great representatives" of Burgundy.
Aromatic, the Pinot Noir has aromas of red forest fruits. The variety is extremely multi-layered, so that it ranges from tannin-heavy to velvety soft, depending on the production process. In terms of color, the wines shine in a ruby red to light cherry red.
Blanc de Noirs can be obtained from the red grapes by early pressing. With a little more time on the mash, a rosé is created. Our red wines initially ferment completely in special tanks before they mature completely in oak barrels.
Pinot blanc
In addition to Riesling, we also cultivate Pinot Blanc. The name already suggests its origins in Burgundy and its descent from Pinot Noir. Pinot Blanc is enjoying increasing popularity and is a wonderful change from Riesling. The dry Pinot Blanc with its fresh acidity and fine fruit goes very well with many dishes and is an ideal summer wine. The aroma spectrum ranges from nuts to citrus.
