Viniou Reviews
Joh. Jos. Prüm's Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett 2020 represents a beautiful expression of Mosel Riesling. Crafted exclusively from Riesling grapes sourced from the estate’s famed Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard, this wine typifies the Kabinett style with delicacy and elegance. The 2020 vintage, marked by a relatively cool growing season punctuated by warmth at crucial ripening moments, allowed for slow, steady maturation of the grapes. The blue Devonian slate soils of the Sonnenuhr site impart their signature mineral tension. Vinification at Joh. Jos. Prüm is traditional: fermentation in stainless steel or large old oak foudres, with extended lees contact to retain purity and accentuate precision. The result is a crystalline, subtly off-dry wine, brimming with aromas of white peach, green apple, lime blossom and a racy undercurrent of wet stone, with mouth-watering acidity balancing gentle sweetness.
The Mosel region, stretching along the serpentine Mosel River, is one of Germany’s oldest and most revered wine territories. Steep vineyards — some of the world’s steepest — cling to south-facing slopes, capturing maximum sunlight in a relatively cool, marginal climate. Soils are predominantly slate, which retains heat and imbues wines with a unique minerality. The region’s winegrowing history dates back to the Romans, but the distinctive Mosel style has been refined over centuries: heady aromatics, refreshing acidity, and moderate alcohol levels.
This Kabinett’s fresh, slightly off-dry style (even a 'sec' Kabinett can show a whisper of natural sweetness) is beautifully suited to a variety of foods. Classic pairings include sushi, sashimi or lightly spiced Asian dishes, where the wine’s acidity and hint of fruit provide balance. Regionally, try it with pork schnitzel, trout with Riesling sauce, or a local goat’s cheese. The crispness will also cut through creamy sauces or complement delicate seafood.
For optimal enjoyment, serve well-chilled at 8–10°C in a tulip-shaped white wine glass. This will allow its fragrances and fine nuances to unfold gracefully. While it is delicious now, cellaring for five to ten years will reveal deeper complexity and the hallmark petrol notes of mature Mosel Riesling.
