Source: Winemaker,

Explosive fruit and an expansive texture from the oldest parcel of the Treppchen vineyard, a windy site that inhibits botrytis, allowing for very long hang time and exceptional flavor development. Only one 1,000-liter Fuder cask is produced.

DR. LOOSEN ESTATE
The Dr. Loosen estate has been in the same family for over 200 years. When Ernst Loosen assumed ownership in 1988, he realized that he had vines in some of Germany’s best-rated vineyards. To maximize the potential of those vines, he dramatically limits crop size, uses only organic fertilization, insists on very strict fruit selection, and employs gentle cellar practices with a minimum of handling.

THE MOSEL REGION
Located in far western Germany, the Mosel valley’s steep, southfacing slopes create the perfect climate for Riesling, giving the vines ideal exposure to the sun. The cool climate allows the grapes to ripen slowly while retaining bright acidity.

ERDENER TREPPCHEN RIESLING SPATLESE
The Sp?tlese designation means that the grapes get an extra week or two of hang time, which helps them develop higher ripeness and deeper flavors. The Erdener Treppchen Sp?tlese is a fruit-driven Riesling that combines extraordinary concentration and length with bracing minerality.

TECHNICAL INFO
Grape Variety: 100% Riesling
Soil Type: Red Devonian slate
Age of Vines: 60 years average; ungrafted
Viticulture: Sustainable, according to strict German environmental regulations
Average Yield: 50 hl/ha
Harvest Method: Selective hand picking
Vinification: Cool fermentation in a combination of stainless steel tanks and traditional Fuder barrels; fermentation stopped by chilling.
Alcohol: 8.5%
Residual Sweetness: 53.8 grams/liter
Total Acidity: 9 grams/liter