A remarkable expression of the Mosel’s finest terroir, the Dr. Loosen Graacher Himmelreich Riesling GG 2023 combines the elegance of ancient vines with the power and precision of blue slate soils. Sourced from an exceptional vineyard with vines averaging around 130 years old, this dry Grosses Gewächs reveals layers of vineyard peach, citrus, white currant, and aromatic herbs, underpinned by deep mineral complexity. Aged for 12 months on its lees, it offers impressive structure, natural harmony, and outstanding potential for long-term cellaring.

James Suckling | JS 96
Published: Nov 5, 2024

Terrific brilliance and wonderful white peach and white currant fruit, supported by a deep mineral structure and vibrant Amalfi lemon freshness. Only medium-bodied, but with terrific power and length. The vitality of the finish is a minor wonder.

Drloosen.com

The Graacher Himmelreich GG shows the typically bright aromatics and assertive mineral character of this very steep, rocky vineyard.

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.

GRAACHER HIMMELREICH RIESLING GG ALTE REBEN
Graach is a small village that lies between two more-famous neighbors, Bernkastel and Wehlen. Its steep, southwest-facing slopes and deep soils produce wines that combine the elegance of Wehlen with the rustic strength of Bernkastel. Grosses Gewechs (GG) means 'great growth' in German and is the designation for an estate?s best dry wine from a Grosse Lage (grand cru) vineyard. This limited-production wine is from a parcel of extremely old vines (alte Reben). It is fermented with indigenous yeasts and kept in the barrel, on the full lees, for a year before it is bottled. The extended maturation time allows the wine to develop greater texture and a natural harmony.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest: 2023
Grape Varieties: 100% Riesling
Vineyard: Graacher Himmelreich, Mosel, Germany; old, ungrafted vines averaging approximately 130 years
Soil: Blue and multicoloured Devonian slate
Vinification: Selectively hand-harvested grapes, fermented with indigenous yeasts in traditional large 1,000-litre Fuder casks
Ageing: 12 months on full lees in traditional large wooden casks
Residual Sugar: 9 g/L
Total Acidity: 7.6 g/L
Winemaker: Ernst F. Loosen and the Dr. Loosen winemaking team
Brand: Dr. Loosen
Region: Mosel, Germany
Appellation: Graacher Himmelreich, Mosel
Classification: VDP.Grosses Gewächs (GG)

Serving Temperature: Serve chilled at 8–10°C to highlight the wine’s vibrant acidity, aromatic detail, and mineral precision.
Decanting: Decant for 20–30 minutes if enjoying young, particularly to allow its complex aromas to open up. Older bottles can be served directly with gentle handling.
Food Pairing: Excellent with grilled white fish, scallops, lobster, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, aromatic herb dishes, lightly spiced curries, and mature cheeses.