Wines Mosel Joh. Jos. Prüm - Graacher Himmelreich Auslese - 2003

This wine hails from the renowned Joh. Jos. Prüm estate, celebrated for some of the Mosel's most elegant and ethereal expressions. The 2003 vintage was marked by warmth and sun, yielding wines with greater ripeness and concentration, especially in the revered Graacher Himmelreich vineyard. The term "Auslese" indicates a late-harvest style, typically reserved for fruit selected at optimal ripeness, often with a touch of botrytis, bringing rich layers and innate sweetness while still maintaining the refreshing acidity for which the Mosel is famous. The wine, golden in hue, should reveal a seductive aromatic complexity—think of candied citrus, white peach, honeyed apricot, and perhaps a gentle petrol nuance emerging with age. On the palate, expect a luscious yet balanced mouthfeel: sweetness mingles with vibrant acidity, providing energy and finesse, and ensuring the wine dances lightly rather than feeling unctuous.

The Mosel Valley, with its cool continental climate and steep, slate-rich slopes, is one of the world’s classic wine regions. Vines here are forced to dig deep for nutrients, imparting a signature minerality to the wines. The region’s long tradition of winegrowing stretches back to the Romans, and its river tends to reflect sunlight, aiding grape maturity even in cooler years—though 2003 was notably warm. This interplay of climate and soil gives Mosel wines their lightness, perfume, and intricate balance.

A Mosel Auslese such as this is a superb companion to a wide range of dishes. Its sweetness and acidity make it ideal with pâté, terrine, or foie gras, where it contrasts the richness. Classic German pairings include goose liver or a slice of blue-veined cheese like Roquefort or Stilton. It also works beautifully with lightly spiced Asian cuisine—think Thai or Vietnamese dishes with ginger and lemongrass—or fruit-based desserts such as tarte Tatin or apple strudel, where the wine’s citrus and honeyed notes echo the flavours.

For optimal enjoyment, serve chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. This will enhance the wine’s freshness and help preserve the delicate aromatics while keeping the sweetness in balance. If opened now, decant lightly to allow its bouquet to unfold, or cellar further for even more complexity.