Viniou Reviews
Joh. Jos. Prüm's Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese 2016 is a benchmark Riesling from the iconic Mosel region in Germany. This wine, classified as Spätlese, is crafted from late-harvested Riesling grapes grown on the legendary Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard. The 2016 vintage was characterised by an ideal growing season, with cool nights and warm days that encouraged slow, optimal ripening. The stony, slate soils of the steep Mosel slopes impart a distinctive minerality and racy tension to the wine. Vinification at Joh. Jos. Prüm is done with minimal intervention, relying on native yeasts, long fermentations and traditional old oak casks. The result is a wine of crystalline finesse, with notes of white peach, ripe pear, fresh lime and a signature smoky flint edge, balanced by a vibrant acidity and a delicate sweetness typical of a moelleux style Riesling.
The Mosel is one of the world’s most renowned wine regions, with a history of viticulture dating back to Roman times. It is defined by its winding river, which carves steep terraces into the land, providing ideal sun exposure and moderating temperatures for the delicate Riesling grape. The soils here are dominated by blue Devonian slate, contributing to the region’s signature minerality. The cool, northern climate promotes naturally low alcohol, high acidity, and a purity of fruit that has made Mosel Riesling famous for its ability to age and develop complexity over decades.
For food pairings, the sweetness and electric acidity of the Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese make it incredibly versatile. It shines alongside spicy Asian cuisine, especially aromatic Thai or Szechuan dishes where the wine’s sweetness tempers heat. It is also a classic with German fare such as roast pork with apple sauce or a herbed trout. For a regional pairing, try it with Flammkuchen, an Alsatian-German tart with cream, onions and bacon, or a plate of blue cheeses where the wine's freshness lifts the richness.
To best appreciate the complexity and vibrancy of this Riesling, serve it well chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. Enjoy it now for exuberant fruit and freshness, or cellar it for a decade or more to reveal its full nuance and depth.
