Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Brauneberger Juffer vineyard lies on the steep, south-facing slopes of the Mosel Valley, a region famed for producing some of the world’s most refined Rieslings. The terroir is dominated by Devonian slate soils, which absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night, enabling the vines to achieve optimal ripeness while retaining vibrant acidity.

This vineyard’s history dates back to Roman times, when its potential for viticulture was first recognized. Over the centuries, wines from Brauneberger Juffer have earned a reputation for their precision, delicate fruit, and pronounced minerality, making them a benchmark for the Mosel region.

Winemaking

The 2022 vintage was marked by challenging weather conditions, with extreme dryness during the summer and variable autumn temperatures. However, the old vines at Brauneberger Juffer demonstrated remarkable resilience, with deep roots tapping into water reserves in the slate soils.

This 100% Riesling is made from early-picked grapes to achieve the freshness and lightness characteristic of the Kabinett style. Fermentation occurs at cool temperatures to preserve the wine’s delicate aromatics and natural balance. The result is a wine with 8.0% alcohol, a residual sweetness of 44.9 grams per liter, and a vibrant acidity of 8.7 grams per liter, showcasing the hallmark finesse of Fritz Haag wines.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with bright, crystalline reflections.
• Aroma: Captivating notes of cassis, flint, and floral nuances, with subtle hints of baking spices.
• Palate: Sleek and focused, with lively flavors of lime zest, green apple, and a touch of honey. A racy acidity drives the wine, culminating in a long, clean, and slate-mineral finish.

Did You Know?

The Kabinett style, unique to Germany, refers to wines made from fully ripened grapes picked at the start of harvest. These wines are characterized by their light body, low alcohol, and delicate sweetness, making them versatile and age-worthy.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Fresh goat cheese with herbs: The wine’s acidity cuts through the creaminess, while its minerality enhances the herbaceous notes.
• Thai shrimp salad with lime and chili: Its sweetness balances the heat, and the acidity complements the zesty lime flavors.
• Pork tenderloin with apple glaze: The fruity notes of the wine mirror the apple glaze, while its acidity refreshes the palate.
• Peach tart with almond cream: The wine’s subtle sweetness and vibrant acidity harmonize beautifully with the dessert’s fruity and nutty elements.

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.