Wines Mosel Fritz Haag - Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese - 2005

Fritz Haag’s 2005 Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese is a moelleux (sweet) white wine hailing from one of the Mosel’s most celebrated single vineyards. As an Auslese, this wine generally draws from very ripe, frequently late-harvested grapes, often affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), producing luscious aromas and a natural concentration of sugars balanced by high, lively acidity—a hallmark of the region. While the exact viticultural and cellar methods can vary, Fritz Haag is renowned for gentle handling in both vineyard and winery, favouring spontaneous fermentations and minimal intervention to let terroir and vintage shine through. Expect a wine displaying layered notes of stone fruits, honey, floral undertones, and perhaps hints of citrus peel, wrapped in a silken, lingering texture.

The Mosel region is widely regarded as one of Germany’s—and the world’s—finest terroirs for Riesling. Its steep, slate-laden slopes provide both excellent drainage and a unique mineral character to the wines. With a cool, northerly climate, the Mosel’s summers are typically long yet not excessively hot, allowing Riesling grapes to ripen slowly and accumulate impressive aromatic complexity while retaining refreshing acidity. The Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr vineyard, in particular, is famed for its sun-exposed aspect and slate soils, delivering wines of great delicacy, minerality, and longevity. The region’s wine history extends back to Roman times, and its traditions are deeply respected by houses like Fritz Haag.

For food pairings, the opulent yet balanced sweetness of an Auslese from this site is a superb match for rich pâtés, such as foie gras or rillettes, and spicy dishes like Thai or Indian curries. Classic regional German dishes, such as goose with red cabbage or apple, also find harmony with the wine’s sweet, zesty freshness. For a lighter option, serve with blue cheese or fruit-based desserts—try a pear tart or an apple strudel.

To appreciate its subtlety and perfume, serve this wine slightly chilled, ideally at 10–12°C. Decanting is usually unnecessary; simply let it unfurl in the glass and enjoy the interplay between sweetness, acidity, and minerality that is the signature of great Mosel Auslese.