Joh. Jos. Prüm’s 2002 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese is a celebrated example from one of the Mosel’s most venerated producers, reflecting both vintage character and the legendary Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard. Although Riesling is typically the sole variety vinified here, it is wise to focus on the classic Mosel style: the wine is likely to exhibit a luminous, pale gold hue, with a profusion of aromas—ripe orchard fruits such as white peach, apricot, and apple, entwined with delicate notes of honey, citrus blossom, and characteristic Mosel slate minerality. Spätlese from an outstanding producer and plot such as this balances natural sweetness with vibrant acidity, resulting in a complex, elegant wine that can age gracefully for decades.
The Mosel region, renowned for its impossibly steep, slate-lined vineyards along the sinuous banks of the river, is Germany’s most iconic Riesling district. The south-facing slopes of the Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard enjoy optimal sunlight and exceptional drainage, while the Devonian blue slate soils impart an unmistakable mineral signature. The cool, marginal climate extends the ripening period, encouraging the development of both fruit intensity and electric acidity. Historically, Mosel wines have been prized for their finesse, tension and longevity, and few sites rival Wehlener Sonnenuhr for producing wines with precision and depth.
A wine of this delicacy and residual sweetness shines alongside dishes that marry freshness and subtle richness. Classic pairings include lightly spiced Asian cuisine—such as Thai green curry or Szechuan chicken—where the wine’s gentle sweetness and high acidity refresh the palate. Regionally, you might consider enjoying it with a starter of smoked trout, or a main of pork with apple and sage, both allowing the wine’s aromatic complexity to unfold. For a harmonious cheese match, a young, creamy goat’s cheese would prove exceptionally pleasing.
For optimal appreciation, serve this wine lightly chilled, ideally between 9 and 11°C. This will preserve its aromatic intensity and accentuate its beautifully balanced structure and persistence on the palate.
