Dr Loosen has been in the same family for more than 200 years and its present guardian, Ernst Loosen, is one of the great characters of the wine world. He assumed ownership of the estate in 1988 and immediately realised that, with ungrafted vines averaging 70 years of age, in some of Germany's best-rated vineyards, gave him the raw materials to create stunningly intense, world-class wines. To achieve this, he dramatically reduced his crop size and stopped all chemical fertilisation, preferring only moderate use of organic fertilisers. And, most importantly, he turned to gentler cellar practices that allow the wine to develop its full potential with a minimum of handling and technological meddling.

This dry Riesling is a limited-production “great growth” from a parcel of extremely old vines in Erdener Treppchen that lies directly above Erdener Prälat. The fruit comes from vines aged 100+ years, growing on red Devonian slate. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in traditional 1,000-litre Fuder casks; matured
on full lees for 12 months.

Alte Reben is remarkably refined on the nose that exhibits a delicate and flintyscented bright stone fruit and Riesling aroma. The palate is round and playful, almost silky and very elegant, leading to an intense and sustainably saline and tangy finish with fine grip and good tension. Surely one of the highlights in Erni Loosen's 2021 GG series. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted as a sample at the domaine in July 2022. To be bottled in October. Date: Aug 2022; Drink: 2023-2045; Rating: 94-96 Points; Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate

The 2021er Erdener Treppchen Riesling Alte Reben, as it is referred to on the main label (the reference to GG is left for the back label), comes from very old un-grafted vines in the prime Onnerts and Herzlay sectors (situated just above and next to the Prälat), and was fermented with ambient yeasts and aged in oak for almost 12 months. It offers a beautiful nose made of white peach, passion fruit, minerals, a hint of cardamom and other earthy spices, and a touch of whipped cream. The wine is still rather firm and racy on the palate but reveals already some of the greatness to come in the long and beautifully subtle and refined finish. The aftertaste is juicy, focused, elegant, and remarkably persistent. What a gorgeous dry Riesling in the making! Drink: 2028-2041; Rating: 93 Points; Mosel Fine Wine