Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Alte Reben
⏳ Drinking Window
2020 - 2038
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Spicy Thai curry, roasted pork belly, smoked trout
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the iconic, amphitheater-shaped cliffs of the Urziger Wurzgarten ('spice garden of Urzig'), this Riesling is a testament to one of the Mosel's most unusual terroirs. Unlike the blue slate that dominates the region, the Wurzgarten is rich in red volcanic soil and iron-rich slate, imparting a uniquely exotic, spicy character to the grapes. The 'Alte Reben' (old vines) designation refers to the estate's prized, ungrafted vines—many exceeding a century in age—whose deep root systems draw intense mineral complexity from the earth. Under Ernst Loosen's stewardship, these ancient vines yield a Riesling of remarkable concentration, balancing vibrant acidity with lush tropical fruit notes of pineapple and kiwi, accented by wild strawberry, ginger, and a distinct herbal spice that has defined this legendary vineyard for generations.
🍾 About the Producer
The historic Dr. Loosen estate has been in the Loosen family for over two centuries, situated along the dramatic, slate-lined slopes of the Middle Mosel in Bernkastel-Kues, Germany. Since taking over management in 1988, Ernst Loosen has revitalized the winery by strictly focusing on low yields, meticulous vineyard stewardship, and minimal intervention in the cellar. The estate is blessed with extraordinarily old, ungrafted Riesling vines in legendary Grand Cru (Grosse Lage) vineyards such as Erdener Prälat, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, and Bernkasteler Lay. Dr. Loosen is globally celebrated for producing pure, expressive, and age-worthy Rieslings that range from vibrant dry bottlings to lusciously complex, mineral-laced Prädikat and dessert wines.