Winemaker Notes

The 2021 Dr. Loosen Red Slate Dry Riesling is a well-balanced dry Riesling from estate vineyards that show the distinctively forceful minerality of red slate soils. These Dr. Loosen vineyards are found in the contiguous Middle Mosel villages of Ürzig, Erden, Lösnich, and Kinheim. Following the traditional methods of Ernst Loosen’s great-grandfather, Peter Loosen, this wine is fermented in 3,000-liter, neutral oak casks and kept on the full lees for 12 months. The extended lees contact stabilizes the wine naturally and gives it time to develop a harmonious balance.

This dry counterpart to the classically fruity “Blue Slate” Riesling Kabinett is produced exclusively with fruit from estate-owned vineyards in Ürzig and Erden that have the iron-rich red slate soil.

Fermented naturally in 3,000-liter casks. Made from red slate estate vineyards found primarily in the south-facing stretch of river that encompasses the villages of Ürzig, Erden, Lösnich and Kinheim, this dry Riesling has an intense minerality that is warm and enveloping. It has floral, spicy, citrus blossom aromas and harmonious flavors with a full, expansive texture. Very expressive.

About Dr. Loosen

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.