The Wine Advocate | RP 93-95
Published: Aug 25, 2022

The 2021 Graacher Himmelreich GG Alte Reben offers a deep, pure and lemony, saline and spicy/slatey bouquet with fine intensity. Round and lush on the palate, this is a savory, stimulatingly saline and crystalline Himmelreich with substantial fruit and structure. Very good finish. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted as a sample at the domaine in July 2022. To be bottled in October.
Drink Date: 2024 - 2045

Winemaker

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 INFO
Grape Variety: 100% Riesling
Soil Type: Blue Devonian slate
Age of Vines: Minimum 100 years; ungrafted
Vineyard Management: Sustainable, according to strict German environmental regulations Viticulture: Fermented with indigenous yeasts in traditional 1,000-liter Fuder casks; matured on the full lees for 12 months; no betonnage
Alcohol: 13.0%
Total Acidity: 6.6 grams/liter
Residual Sweetness: 9 grams/liter