Ernst Loosen was born into a 200 year tradition of German winemaking. Fortunately for the wine world and his family legacy, Ernst chose to set his interest in Roman ruins aside and take the reigns of his family wine business in the mid-80’s. After a stint at Germany’s renowned winemaking school in Geisenheim, he set about to visit the best winemakers in the world. He noted that one key philosophy they all shared was that they respected the traditions of their craft but were not afraid to use modern techniques and know-how to improve the quality of their wine. This was a lesson that has served him well over the succeeding decades of winemaking where he steered his family estate to become one of the worlds best. Our email deal this week is the 2016 Dr. Loosen Red Slate Dry Riesling. The fruit for this wine all comes from estate vineyards in the villages of Kinheim, Erden, Ürzig and Lösnich, known for their red slate soils. The grapes are hand selected, fermented with natural yeasts and aged in 3,000 liter neutral barrels. It’s a perfect entre’ into the high quality wine making Ernst, the once reluctant winemaker, regularly produces.
The 2016 Red Slate Dry Riesling displays a clear, platinum white color throughout the glass. It is a buoyant, aromatic wine that has peach blossom, champagne mango, lime zest and green apple that twists into a smoky slate minerality and spice. The very bright, dry, crisp mouthfeel with a saline touch showcases vibrant citrusy fruits that end in a signature taut racy finish. Stretch your wings a bit for this wine. There is so much to be enjoyed from a refreshing, dry Riesling like this, one that has a little POP and a palate to balance the intensity and richness of a Thanksgiving dinner as well as a long night by the fire with family and friends. Enjoy.
Reg Retail: $15.99, Our Deal Pricing: $12.99 or $144/case. Offer good through Wed, Nov 14th. Send an email to winedeals@barriquesmarket.com if you are interested in having us set some aside for you.
