Classically crafted wines from Germany’s Rhine River valley
Ernst Loosen took over the historic J.L. Wolf estate so that he could make traditionally crafted Rhine wines to complement the light and elegant Dr. Loosen Rieslings he produces in the Mosel region. In the classic style of the Pfalz, these wines are more full-bodied than Mosel wines, with higher alcohol and pure flavors of ripe fruit and stone. The Pfalz region lies between the Haardt Mountains and the Rhine River, directly north of France’s Alsace region. As in Alsace, the mountains protect the area from harsh Atlantic weather, making it one of the warmer and drier areas of Germany. In this climate, achieving full ripeness is possible in nearly every vintage.
The quality concept: True Pfalz
To preserve the naturally high quality of the vineyards, Ernst emphasizes sustainable viticulture, gentle handling during harvest and traditional winemaking techniques in the cellar. This enables him to produce pure, mineral-inflected wines that express the authentic terroir of the Pfalz.
Estate-Grown Rieslings
Ernst uses an unofficial, Burgundy-style classification of the vineyards at Villa Wolf, based largely on a vineyard property tax assessment done by the Bavarian government in 1828. Historical accounts of quality and price confirm the first-growth (grand cru) status of the Pechstein vineyard in the village of Forst, and the second-growth (premier cru) Belz vineyard in Wachenheim. In addition, village-quality (villages) vineyards are harvested to produce Wachenheimer Riesling Kabinett.
Only one is made from each estate vineyard. The village-quality Wachenheimer is made in the lightly fruity Kabinett style, while the second-growth Wachenheimer Belz and the first-growth Forster Pechstein are produced in the full-bodied dry style that is traditional for this region.
Value-Priced Varietal Wines
The Villa Wolf line-up of non-vineyard-designated varietal wines show the true character of each variety as it is grown in the warm and sunny Pfalz region. Villa Wolf wines are made from Villa Wolf estate fruit supplemented with grapes from contracted growers. Varieties include Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Dornfelder and Pinot Noir (red and rosé). These are excellent glass-pour wines, as well as great values on the retail shelf. |
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Estate visits are by appointment only.
If you will be traveling in the area and
would like to arrange a visit, please
send an email to info@drloosen.de. Kindly tell us the
date you would like to visit and how
many people you will be.
We will do our
best to accommodate you.
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Riesling Rendezvous 2013
Save the dates:
July 14-16, 2013 |
| The next edition of the Riesling Rendezvous for producers, trade and media is set for July 14-16, 2013. Once again, Dr. Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle will be your hosts for an amazing three days of total Riesling immersion. We are planning a juicy array of tastings, seminars and workshops that will educate and inspire wine professionals at all levels. An international gathering of the best Riesling producers will be there to show you their wines, and to discuss, debate and debauch together in a hearty exchange of tastes, ideas and experiences. |
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| Some highlights of the upcoming Riesling Rendezvous: |
Noted author and Riesling authority, Stuart Pigott, will return as our spiritual guide and master of ceremonies. He will lead an entertaining exploration of daring and innovation in making Riesling, with a session called “Riesling Extreme.” In addition, he will moderate an in-depth discussion on the latest changes in the complex world of German classifications and nomenclature.
The highly respected Riesling researcher, Prof. Ulrich Ficher, from the Center for Wine Research in Neustadt, Germany, will present his latest findings on the connection between terroir and the specific flavors that develop in Riesling.
Rock-star Master Sommelier, Emily Wines, will present a very revealing look at the effect that specific food components, such as sweetness and acidity, have on the taste perception of various styles of Riesling (and vice versa).
A moderated session called “Preaching beyond the choir” will offer an opportunity for a lively and open discussion among wine professionals about the challenges and opportunities in marketing Riesling to the average wine consumer.
Visit the website for updates. |
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