2019 Dr Loosen Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm Erben Wehlener Sonnenuhr Vieilles Vignes Riesling Kabinett

About Weingut Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm Erben and Dr. Loosen

Weingut Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm Erben is a special project by Ernst Loosen, the renowned winemaker of Dr. Loosen in Wehlen on the Mosel. With this line, he rediscovers the traditional winemaking and cellar techniques of his great-grandfather, Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm, an influential winemaker from the early twentieth century. The project pays tribute to the era when German Rieslings were among the most highly regarded wines in the world.
The wines are made using historic methods, using old vines, minimal intervention, and prolonged aging in traditional wooden barrels. Only one barrel of each wine is produced, equivalent to approximately 1,200 bottles. They are offered worldwide in very limited quantities through La Place de Bordeaux, the network normally reserved for the largest international wineries. The collection includes three wines from the renowned Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard: a dry Grosses Gewächs, a Kabinett, and an Auslese.

The Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard

The Wehlener Sonnenuhr, or Wehlen's sundial, is one of the Mosel's most iconic vineyards. The south-southwest-facing slope consists of steep terraces of blue slate. This soil retains heat and creates the characteristic mineral tension of the wines from this region.
The vines here are over 130 years old, ungrafted, and deeply rooted in the rocky soil. They are tended entirely by hand, without machinery or artificial means. Everything is done as was customary in the nineteenth century. The low yields produce grapes with unprecedented concentration and precision. The microclimate of the Wehlener Sonnenuhr gives the wine a unique combination of ripe fruit, refinement, and an almost salty freshness.

Vinification

The grapes for the 2019 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Vieilles Vignes Riesling Kabinett were hand-picked and carefully selected in the last week of October. Pressing took place using a fully restored basket press from 1910 in Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm's original cellar. Fermentation occurred spontaneously with natural yeasts in a traditional 1,000-liter Fuder barrel made of German oak.
After fermentation, the wine rested on the fine lees for two years without racking or stirring. It was not fined and was only lightly filtered before bottling. The wine then matured in the cellars for another four years in the bottle before release. The alcohol content is approximately nine percent, with a total acidity of just over nine grams per liter and a residual sugar of approximately fifty grams. The style is classic Kabinett: light-hearted, refined, and with a subtle natural sweetness that perfectly balances the lively acidity.

The style and character of the wine

The 2019 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett is a wine of great precision and tension. Its color is pale yellow with a green sheen. The aroma combines fresh apple, white peach, lemon blossom, and a hint of wet slate. There's a subtle salinity typical of the Mosel.
On the palate, the wine is elegant and delicate, with a refined balance between residual sweetness and acidity. The structure is light yet energetic, with flavors of lime, apple, and a hint of smoke and stone. The finish is long, fresh, and clean. The texture is silky, giving the wine a certain tranquility, despite its lively character.
Vinous awarded this wine 97 points, describing it as a wine that smells of wet slate and smoke, with a flavor where fruit and stone blend seamlessly. According to the tasting report, the wine is a paragon of authenticity, a classic Kabinett in its purest form.

The 2019 wine year

The year 2019 brought extreme weather conditions. A dry and hot summer was followed by cooler September nights, which ensured a slow, balanced ripening of the grapes. Despite lower yields, the old vines yielded fully ripe fruit with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
The resulting wines combine the ripe density of 2018 with sharper acidity, making them more vibrant and well-structured. For Ernst Loosen, 2019 marked a return to the classic Mosel style of the past, with wines that are both powerful and light, and capable of aging for years.

Serving tips and storage potential

The wine is already expressive and appealing, but it still has a long life ahead of it. Serve it slightly chilled, around eight degrees Celsius, in a slender Riesling glass to fully appreciate its freshness and mineral notes.
Thanks to its low alcohol and perfect balance of acidity and residual sweetness, this wine offers a wide range of dining experiences. It's ideal with refined dishes featuring subtle spices or a light hint of fat. The wine has exceptional aging potential and will continue to develop well beyond 2030. Expect longevity until at least 2065, with increasing complexity and depth over time.

Would you like to order Dr. Loosen wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address ( https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons ). You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. ( https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy )

Wine and food pairings

• Smoked trout with apple and fennel. The fresh acidity and light sweetness balance the smoky notes and keep the dish lively.
• Scallops with citrus butter and fresh tarragon. The creamy sauce is refreshed by the minerality and acidity of the wine.
• Asian sea bass ceviche with chili and lime. The wine tempers the spiciness and enhances the citrus aromas.
• Grilled chicken with lemongrass and ginger. The lively acidity keeps the dish light and fresh.
• Ravioli with goat cheese and honey. The combination of soft sweetness and refreshing acidity gives the filling depth.
• Vegetable tempura with yuzu mayonnaise. The wine's fresh texture gives the fried dish an elegant and light texture.