Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Grosses Gewachs 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Brauneberger Juffer vineyard is a historic site in the Mosel Valley, celebrated for its steep, south-facing slopes and its proximity to the Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr vineyard. Known as a Grosse Lage (grand cru), the Juffer vineyard’s Devonian slate soils provide exceptional drainage, reflect heat, and impart a distinctive minerality to the wines.

The 2022 vintage presented extreme dryness during the summer months. However, the deep-rooted old vines of Brauneberger Juffer thrived by accessing water reserves in the subsoil, resulting in grapes of remarkable concentration and balance. These conditions highlight the vineyard’s unique ability to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant.

Winemaking

This 100% Riesling is produced with meticulous attention to detail. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo spontaneous fermentation in a combination of stainless steel and oak casks. The wine is then aged for five months on its full lees, without bâtonnage, preserving its purity and vibrancy.

With an alcohol level of 12.5%, a residual sweetness of 3.5 grams per liter, and a total acidity of 7.5 grams per liter, the Grosses Gewächs embodies balance and precision. Lightly filtered before bottling, it retains its natural complexity and aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with radiant clarity.
• Aroma: Aromas of crisp pear, white peach, and subtle herbal undertones, accented by wet slate and earthy nuances.
• Palate: A precise and dynamic structure, showcasing flavors of citrus zest, green apple, and a touch of flint. The finish is long, taut, and marked by fine acidity and minerality.

Did You Know?

The Grosses Gewächs (GG) designation is reserved for the finest dry wines from Germany’s top vineyards, equivalent to a grand cru classification. These wines are celebrated for their age-worthiness and exceptional terroir expression, making them a collector’s favorite.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs: The wine’s minerality and vibrant acidity enhance the delicate flavors of the fish.
• White asparagus with hollandaise sauce: Its freshness and structure balance the richness of the sauce.
• Sushi and sashimi: The precision and citrusy notes complement the umami and delicate textures of the fish.
• Goat cheese tart: The wine’s acidity and slate-driven complexity cut through the creaminess of the cheese.

History of Fritz Haag Estate

The historic Fritz Haag estate dates back to 1605, making it one of the oldest in the Mosel region. Originally, the village where the estate is situated was known as "Dusemond" (Latin for "sweet hill"). In 1925, it was renamed "Brauneberg" ("brown mountain") to promote the reputation of its world-renowned vineyards: Brauneberger Juffer and Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr.

The name "Juffer," meaning "old maid" or "virgin" in the local dialect, dates back to 1790. It refers to the aristocratic Wunderlich family, whose three daughters, all unmarried, managed the vineyards. Their exceptional management led to the vineyards becoming famous worldwide. The vineyards were treasured even by Napoleon.

For many years, the estate was successfully led by Wilhelm Haag, whose efforts earned it a world-renowned reputation. Wilhelm was the first to win the prestigious "Winemaker of the Year" award from the Gault Millau Wineguide in 1994. His son, Oliver Haag, took over in 2005 and has continued to lead the estate to new heights.

Region and Vineyards

The Fritz Haag estate is located in Brauneberg, Middle Mosel, Germany. The vineyards are situated on the steep, south-facing Brauneberg hillside, characterized by its blue Devonian slate soils. The estate farms 29 hectares (72.5 acres) of vineyards with an average vine age of 45 years, though some vines are up to 100 years old. The vineyards are managed sustainably, and the estate is a member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) Mosel. The key vineyards are: 

• Brauneberger Juffer: Produces Trocken “J,” GG, and all Prädikat wines.
• Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr: Produces GG and Prädikat wines (Spätlese and above).
• Kestener Paulinshofberg: Produces GG wines.

Notable Wines from Fritz Haag

• Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spätlese: This late-harvested wine has rich fruit flavors and vibrant acidity. The balanced sweetness and elegant minerality make it both rich and refined.
• ​​Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Auslese: Concentrated and sweet, this wine showcases intense fruit flavors and honey. It is luxurious with balanced acidity, making it both rich and refreshing
• Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett: This wine is light and crisp, with fresh green apple, citrus, and white peach flavors. It has a lively acidity and a pronounced minerality that adds to its refreshing profile
• Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese: Complex and elegant, this wine showcases ripe apricot, peach, and honey flavors. It offers a harmonious balance between sweetness and acidity, with a long and lingering finish
• Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese: Luxuriously sweet and full-bodied, this wine features intense tropical fruit flavors, honey, and sometimes a touch of botrytis. It is opulent with a balanced acidity that keeps it refreshing
• ​Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett: Delicate and light-bodied, this wine offers citrus and stone fruit notes. It is crisp and refreshing, with a subtle sweetness that enhances its delicate profile.

Did you know?

The Brauneberger Juffer vineyard has been renowned since Roman times and is known for producing some of the finest Rieslings in the Mosel Valley. The vineyard's name, "Juffer," reflects the historical significance of the land being managed by three unmarried daughters of an aristocratic family.