Dynamic Rieslings from the Slate Slopes of the Mosel

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.

Classified quality

All of Dr. Loosen’s six major vineyards were designated as “Erste Lage” — equivalent to grand cru — in the 1868 Prussian classification of Mosel vineyards. Only wines from these top-rated sites are bottled with a single-vineyard designation. All others are labeled simply as estate wines.

The Elements of Quality at Dr. Loosen

The regional climate

The Mosel’s steep, south-facing slopes create the perfect climate for Riesling, giving the vines ideal exposure to the low-lying, northern sun. Generally cool conditions allow the grapes to ripen slowly, while retaining bright acidity.

The slate soil

The Mosel’s stony soil and rocky outcroppings reflect sunlight and hold in heat, creating very warm microclimates in the best sites and helping to ensure excellent ripeness. Thin topsoil forces the vines to dig deep for water and nutrients, producing vibrant wines that capture the strong minerality of the soil.

Old, ungrafted vines

Dr. Loosen owns vines that are well over 120 years old, and all are on original rootstock (phylloxera can’t survive in the Mosel, so ungrafted vines are allowed here). Old vines produce naturally lower yields, resulting in higher concentration and richness.

Dry Rieslings

Starting with the 2008 vintage, Ernst Loosen has embarked on a quest to revive the dry Riesling style of his grandfather.  Learn more

Accolades for Ernst Loosen

Winery of the Year, 2012, Wine & SpiritsStar Winemaker, Europe, 2010, Wine Behind the label, 7th ed.European Winery of the Year nominee, 2007 & 2008, Wine EnthusiastBest German Producer of the Past 25 Years, Wine & Spirits, 2007Man of the Year 2005, DecanterWhite Wine Maker of the Year 2005, Wine InternationalWorld’s 50 Most Influential Winemakers, Wine & SpiritsGermany’s Winemaker of the Year 2001, Gault Millau