Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr vineyard is located on the steep south-facing slopes of the Brauneberg hillside in the Mosel Valley, Germany. This Grosse Lage (grand cru) site is renowned for its exceptional terroir, where the slate-rich soils retain and reflect heat, fostering optimal ripening conditions for Riesling grapes. The vineyard’s unique positioning ensures extended sunlight exposure, resulting in a perfect balance of ripeness and vibrant acidity.

The vineyard’s history traces back to the Romans, who recognized its potential in the second century. The Juffer Sonnenuhr, or "maiden’s sundial," occupies the choicest portion of the hillside, producing wines of unparalleled concentration, purity, and minerality.

Winemaking

This 100% Riesling Auslese is produced using hand-selected, fully ripe grapes from old vines that have developed deep roots into the slate soils. These vines thrive despite challenging conditions, such as the extreme dryness of the 2022 vintage, which demonstrated their resilience.

The wine is fermented at cool temperatures to preserve its aromatic intensity and freshness. The fermentation halts naturally to retain a residual sweetness of 97 grams per liter, balanced by a lively acidity of 7.8 grams per liter, resulting in a wine with 7.5% alcohol. The careful balance between sweetness, acidity, and minerality is a hallmark of Fritz Haag’s Auslese wines.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with shimmering green reflections.
• Aroma: Aromatic notes of floral honey, ripe peach, and tropical fruit, with hints of citrus zest and wet slate.
• Palate: Luscious and elegant, with flavors of pineapple, apricot, and a touch of exotic spice, balanced by vibrant acidity and a long, minerally finish.

Did You Know?

The 2022 vintage presented extreme weather challenges, but the deep-rooted old vines of Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr excelled, showcasing their adaptability. These conditions resulted in wines with intense concentration, elegance, and longevity, making the vintage particularly collectible.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Foie gras with apple compote: The wine’s sweetness and acidity cut through the richness, enhancing the savory-sweet interplay.
• Thai green curry with shrimp: Its tropical fruit notes and vibrant acidity complement the spiciness and coconut richness of the dish.
• Blue cheese with honey and walnuts: The balance of sweetness and minerality pairs beautifully with the cheese's bold flavors and the honey’s sweetness.
• Peach tart with almond cream: The wine echoes the fruity sweetness of the tart while its acidity provides a refreshing contrast.

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.