Most of the Mosel Valley in Germany is known for its blue slate found throughout Germany's Middle Mosel. A less common slate is the iron-rich red slate found mostly in the villages of Erden and Urzig, in the Mosel.
There is something special about red slate that imparts a dense, muscular minerality to the wines.
Ernest Loosen of the "Dr. Loosen Estate" assumed ownership of the 200 year family owned business in 1988. With 60 year old vines in some of Germany's best-rated vineyards, he had the materials to create intense, world-class wines.
With warmer growing seasons, it is becoming possible to make balanced, full-bodied dry (trocken) Riesling in the Mosel Valley. This was difficult in the past, when they had generally cooler conditions, lower average ripeness and huge acidity levels.
To produce a harmoniously dry Riesling you must grow fruit that fully ripens (with no botrytis) due to long hang time, to allow the flavors to develop and the acidity to soften. All these conditions made this "First Vintage" possible.
2009 DR. LOOSEN RIESLING DRY "RED SLATE"
This estate grown riesling gets its intense minerality from the steep red slate vineyards of Germany's Mosel Valley. The wine is floral, spicy and harmonious with a full, expansive texture. Very expressive!
Look for it soon in your near-by ABC store.
Marie, Wine Supervisor, West, North-West Coast
Urzig is my favorite Mosel! Can't wait to try this new one.
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