Wines Mosel Carl Loewen 1896 - Longuich Maximin Herrenberg - 2020

Carl Loewen 1896 Cuvée Longuich Maximin Herrenberg 2020 hails from the famous Mosel region in Germany, renowned for producing some of the world’s most elegant and expressive white wines. This particular cuvée comes from the historic Maximin Herrenberg vineyard near Longuich, a site known for its steep, slate-laden slopes that impart a distinctive minerality to the wines. While the exact blend isn’t confirmed, Mosel whites of this type are often based on Riesling, offering purity, finesse, and remarkable balance. The 2020 vintage brought favourable growing conditions—cool nights maintaining acidity, with enough sunshine to allow grapes to ripen slowly and develop nuanced aromatics. Expect a dry (sec) wine, likely showing crisp orchard fruit, blossom notes, refined acidity, and a vivid mineral streak, with a structure that suggests both immediate charm and potential for additional complexity with bottle age. Vinification methods in this historic house typically emphasise tradition and minimal intervention, allowing the terroir’s character to shine through.

The Mosel region is defined by its unique combination of steep vineyards, slate soils, and the gentle meanders of the Mosel River. These elements combine to create a cool but sunny microclimate perfect for white grapes, encouraging slow ripening and concentration of flavour. The region’s history of viticulture dates back to Roman times, and its wines have been revered for their precision, luminosity, and sense of place ever since.

For food pairing, this dry Mosel white suits a wide spectrum of dishes, from simple seafood such as poached trout or grilled river fish to poultry with light citrus sauces. Classic German options like zander (pike-perch) with Riesling sauce or a fresh herb salad with smoked trout also reveal the wine’s versatility. The bright acidity and minerality can cut through richer fare such as pork with apple, and it is also delightful alongside Asian cuisine featuring ginger or lemongrass.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve chilled at around 8-10°C. This will highlight both its crisp freshness and its aromatic complexity, making for a memorable tasting experience. Allow the wine a few minutes in the glass to open up and reveal its layers, or decant briefly if enjoyed shortly after release.