Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spatlese 2023

Region and Vineyards

The Brauneberger Juffer vineyard, located on the steep, south-facing slopes of the Mosel Valley, is surrounded by the famed Juffer Sonnenuhr vineyard on three sides. Known for its slightly lighter and more delicate style compared to its smaller counterpart, the Juffer vineyard produces wines with a refined fruit profile and pronounced minerality.

The vineyard’s soils are dominated by Devonian slate, which retains heat during the day and radiates it at night, promoting optimal ripening in this cool, northern climate. These conditions, combined with its drier microclimate, create Rieslings of precision, elegance, and a unique slate-driven character.

Winemaking

This 100% Riesling Spätlese is crafted from hand-harvested grapes picked late in the season to achieve optimal ripeness. The 2023 vintage benefited from a growing season marked by mild spring temperatures, replenishing rains in late July, and a warm September, which enhanced the aromatic complexity and concentrated minerality of the grapes.

Fermentation is carried out at cool temperatures to preserve the wine’s delicate fruit and floral notes. The wine retains a residual sweetness of 73 grams per liter, balanced by an acidity of 7.8 grams per liter, resulting in a vibrant and elegant Spätlese with 7.5% alcohol. This meticulous approach ensures a wine with both immediate appeal and long aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale yellow with golden reflections.
• Aroma: Aromatic notes of lime zest, ripe peach, and floral honey, with subtle hints of wet slate and citrus blossom.
• Palate: Juicy and vibrant, showcasing flavors of green apple, pineapple, and delicate sweetness, underpinned by crisp acidity and a pure slate-driven finish.

Did You Know?

The 2023 vintage required careful selection during harvest due to warm September temperatures, but the conditions yielded grapes with exceptional balance and aromatic intensity. Wines from the Brauneberger Juffer vineyard are celebrated for their ability to age gracefully for decades.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Spicy Thai shrimp salad: The wine’s sweetness and acidity balance the heat and tang of the dish.
• Roast duck with orange glaze: Its vibrant fruit flavors and crisp finish enhance the richness of the duck.
• Goat cheese tart with fresh herbs: The wine’s floral notes and slate minerality complement the tangy, creamy cheese.
• Apple strudel with cinnamon: Its delicate sweetness and acidity echo the flavors of this classic dessert.

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.