Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Alte Reben
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 5 to 20 years from the vintage, as the intense acidity and concentrated fruit of the old vines allow it to develop beautiful tertiary notes of petrol, honey, and dried spices over time.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Spicy Thai curry, roasted pork belly, smoked trout
✨ wine.spec_sheet
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.
🍾 wine.about_producer
The historic Dr. Loosen estate, located in Bernkastel-Kues in the Mosel region of Germany, has been in the same family for over two centuries. Since taking ownership in 1988, Ernst Loosen has propelled the winery to international acclaim by focusing on the estate's extraordinary heritage of ungrafted, old Riesling vines—some over 120 years old—situated in historic grand cru sites such as Erdener Pr$lat, $rziger W$rzgarten, and Bernkasteler Lay. The winery's philosophy centers on minimalist winemaking and a deep respect for the region's diverse slate soils, which yield intensely mineral-driven, expressive wines. Dr. Loosen is globally renowned for its precise, elegant Rieslings, spanning from dry (Trocken) styles to exquisitely concentrated sweet expressions like Auslese, Beerenauslese, and rare Eisweins.