Joh Jos Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese 2021

Joh Jos Prüm is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Mosel region of Germany, known for producing some of the finest Riesling wines in the world. The history of the estate can be traced back to the early 20th century when Johann Josef Prüm established his winery. Today, the estate is under the direction of Katharina Prüm, who has continued the family legacy of producing stunning Riesling wines. The vineyards are situated on slopes with steep inclines that allow for optimal sun exposure, and the slate soil provides a unique minerality that is a signature characteristic of Joh Jos Prüm wines. The wines produced by Joh Jos Prüm are known for their balance, complexity and exceptional aging potential. The Kabinett wines are light and elegant, with notes of citrus, apricot and mineral.

The Mosel wine region is situated along the Mosel River in Germany. This region is renowned for producing some of the best Riesling wines in the world. The steep slopes of its vineyards, which rise from the riverbank, provide ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The unique terroir of the region, which consists of a combination of climate, soil, and vineyard sites, produces wines with a distinct flavour profile.

Joh. Jos. Prüm's vineyards are a hallmark of the estate's success. The winery maintains a total of 14 hectares of holdings in several vineyards, including Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Graacher Himmelreich, Bernkasteler Lay, Bernkasteler Badstube and Zeltinger Sonnenuhr. All of these sites are exclusively dedicated to growing and harvesting Riesling grapes for Joh. Jos. Prüm. Of these sites, Wehlener Sonnenuhr and Graacher Himmelreich are the most essential for the winery, both in terms of quantity and quality. Seventy percent of the vines across these vineyards are ungrafted, indicating that the winery holds true to traditional winemaking practices. Depending on the specific vintage, the average annual production of wine is typically between 10,000 to 13,000 cases. Prüm's vineyards are dedicated solely to Riesling production, with the Wehlener Sonnenuhr and Graacher Himmelreich vineyards being the most important.

Spätlese Riesling refers to a specific style of German Riesling wine that is made from fully ripe grapes that have been left on the vine longer to achieve a late harvest. The term "Spätlese" translates to "late harvest" in German, indicating that the grapes are picked later than usual, allowing them to develop more sugar and flavors. Spätlese is one of the Prädikat levels in the German wine classification system. One of the distinguishing features of Spätlese wines is their delightful balance between sweetness and acidity. The extended hang time on the vine allows the grapes to accumulate more natural sugars while still retaining a vibrant acidity. This delicate equilibrium creates a wine that is both lusciously sweet and refreshingly crisp, offering a truly harmonious drinking experience. Spätlese Riesling wines are typically characterized by their sweetness level and balance of acidity. While they are sweet, they also retain a vibrant acidity, creating a harmonious taste experience. These wines often exhibit fruity flavors, such as apple, pear, and peach, along with floral and honey notes. The sweetness of Spätlese Riesling can vary depending on the specific wine. However, they generally have a moderate level of sweetness compared to other German Riesling categories like Auslese or Beerenauslese. With aging, the flavors of Spätlese Riesling can develop further complexity, offering a more nuanced and mature taste profile. This luxurious mouthfeel, combined with their vibrant acidity, contributes to their exceptional aging potential. Over time, these wines continue to develop complexity, offering an evolving bouquet and a more nuanced flavour profile.

The 2021er Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese has a beautifully complex and pure nose of lime tree, verbena, orange blossom, anise, smoke, cassis, jasmine, and white peach. The wine coats the palate with very pure and fresh fruits and leaves a vibrating and hugely long finish. This splendidly pure Spätlese has great energy! 2031-2051 - Mosel Fine Wines, 95 Points AK 93

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - Germany
Region - Mosel
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 7.5%