1994 Rainer Heil Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Halbtrocken

The 1994 Rainer Heil Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Halbtrocken is an aged Mosel wine with finesse and layered complexity.

The Hidden Cellar is Grand Cru's exclusive wine club concept, specially designed for our most loyal customers. You automatically become a member if you regularly order from Grand Cru. As a Hidden Cellar member, you'll have first access to a selection of exceptionally rare wines: vintages, iconic Bordeaux appellations and Burgundies, Italian Super Tuscans, Napa Valley wines, and rare Champagne. We can offer these gems directly from the wineries at very attractive prices (well below market), often wines that are no longer available or unaffordable. So, the wines come directly from the wineries and haven't traveled halfway around the world in questionable circumstances. View all the benefits of Hidden Cellar here .

the Rainer Heil winery in Brauneberg

Weingut Rainer Heil is located in the idyllic village of Brauneberg, nestled on the Mosel River. The estate is one of the small, traditional family-run wineries that work with respect for nature and terroir. The vines are planted on the renowned slopes of the Brauneberger Juffer, where blue slate soils retain heat and allow the grapes to ripen optimally. This contributes to the characteristic minerality and refinement that distinguish this estate's wines.

The Heil family emphasizes hand harvesting, low yields, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Their goal is to create wines that express the purity and precision of the Mosel – elegant, vibrant, and long-lasting. Through the combination of traditional vinification and careful bottle aging, even older vintages, such as this one from 1994, can still surprise us today with their vibrant character and aromatic depth.

the Brauneberger Juffer vineyard

The Brauneberger Juffer is one of the most famous vineyards in the Mosel. The name "Juffer" refers to three unmarried daughters who once owned the slope, and ever since, this location has been known for its elegance and finesse. The south-facing exposure and steep slope ensure maximum sunshine, while the weathered blue slate soil gives the wines their characteristic salty tension and freshness.

This vineyard produces Rieslings that display a unique interplay of ripe fruit, floral notes, and mineral depth. In cooler years, like 1994, this yields wines with a refined structure and an almost ethereal character – wines that age slowly and remain vibrant after decades.

the 1994 Riesling Halbtrocken – harvest and vinification

The 1994 vintage is considered a classic cool vintage in the Mosel region, with a long aging period and an excellent balance of sugar and acidity. For this Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Halbtrocken, only healthy, fully ripe grapes were hand-picked, followed by a gentle pressing. Fermentation took place under controlled conditions at a low temperature to preserve the delicate fruit aromas. After fermentation, the wine was aged on fine yeast for added roundness and texture.

Halbtrocken means the wine retains a subtle residual sweetness, but is not sugary: rather, a perfect balance between ripe fruit and vibrant acidity. This tension makes this style beloved by connoisseurs, as it remains both refreshing and gastronomically versatile.

tasting note – color, aroma and taste

The color is golden yellow with amber reflections, typical of a well-matured Riesling. On the nose, a layered bouquet develops of dried apricots, honey, chamomile, orange peel, and a hint of petrol – elegantly interwoven with mineral notes of wet slate and almond. Swirling the wine, the bouquet fully comes alive, complex, and inviting.

On the palate, the wine displays a remarkable freshness, supported by a fine, residual sweetness. The flavor is full-bodied yet not heavy: ripe citrus fruit, peach, honey blossom, and a subtle spiciness lead to a long, harmonious finish. The balance between sweetness and acidity is exceptionally refined, making it a perfect pairing with white meat, veal, spicy dishes, or mature cheeses.

for sommeliers and wine lovers

For the sommelier, this wine is an interesting addition to the wine list: a mature, off-dry Riesling with character and complexity that effortlessly enhances gastronomic pairings. For the wine lover, this is an opportunity to experience an authentic Mosel wine that has stood the test of time and still exudes vitality.

shipping of Hidden Cellar wine

Hidden Cellar wines are shipped as standard with our regular deliveries, on average every two months. Would you like to receive your wine sooner? Please contact us.