# Erdener Prälat Réserve Alte Reben (2018)

- **Producer:** Dr. Loosen
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Riesling
- **Region:** Mosel, Germany
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €130
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** peach, apricot, mango, lychee, grapefruit, lemon, blossom, smoke, petrol, honey, almond

## About this wine

The Dr. Loosen Erdener Prälat Réserve Alte Reben is a dry Riesling from the esteemed Mosel region of Germany. Sourced from the exceptional Erdener Prälat vineyard, known for its iron-rich red slate soils and warm microclimate, this wine is made from old, ungrafted vines. The producer, Weingut Dr. Loosen, under the stewardship of Ernst Loosen, focuses on quality and terroir expression. The 2018 vintage benefited from a warm growing season, yielding ripe fruit while maintaining balance. A distinctive feature of this wine is its extended aging process: two years in traditional oak Fuder casks followed by three years of bottle aging before its release, contributing to its profound complexity and age-worthiness.

## Interesting facts

- Erdener Prälat is often called the 'jewel of the estate'.
- The wine is made from 'Alte Reben' (old vines).
- It ages for 2 years in oak casks and 3 years in bottle before release.
- The vineyard's soil is unique red slate.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through rich sauces and fatty proteins, cleansing the palate. Its pronounced intensity and minerality complement the sweetness of shellfish and the earthy notes of mushrooms and root vegetables. The dry profile ensures it pairs well with savory dishes without clashing.

## Wine making process

The production of Dr. Loosen Erdener Prälat Réserve Alte Reben begins with meticulously selected, hand-picked grapes from old, ungrafted vines. The winemaking process emphasizes tradition and terroir. Fermentation is carried out spontaneously using indigenous yeasts in large, 1,000-liter German oak Fuder casks. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes an extended aging period: 24 months maturing on its full lees in these oak Fuder casks. This is further complemented by an additional 36 months of bottle aging before the wine is deemed ready for release. This patient approach is central to the winery's philosophy of allowing the vineyard's character to fully express itself.