2023 Riesling Brauneberger, Mosel, Gunther Steinmetz

Mosel

The most famous of all Germany’s wine regions, Mosel produces the style of wine that many consider to be archetypically German: fragrant, low alcohol Riesling, made in a fruity, sometimes sweet, style. Reislings here can be among some of the finest white wines in the world, balancing racy acidity with intensity of flavour. Following the path of the Mosel river from its confluence with the Rhine near Koblenz, through southwest Germany toward Luxembourg, this region was first planted with vineyards by the Romans around the second century. The steep slopes that line the river, some reaching aspects of 68 degrees, combined with the very cool, northern continental climate, allow the grapes to ripen slowly, owing to the increased sun exposure. Dark slate that covers the vineyards also absorbs heat during the day, radiating it back during the night. Great for ripening but, during the winter rains, slate is washed to the bottom of the vineyards, requiring it all to be gathered up and transported back up the steep slopes. The most famous vineyards include Bernkastel, Brauneberg, Erden, Graach and Piesport, from which the best wines posses an energy and intensity like no other, showing deceptively simple floral and fruit character in their youth, but with age grow steely, complex and sometimes savoury.