Wines Unspecified Fritz Haag - Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese - 2015

Viniou Reviews

Fritz Haag's 2015 Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese represents one of the pinnacles of Mosel winemaking. Crafted exclusively from Riesling, this sweet white wine hails from the renowned Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr vineyard, a site famed for its steep south-facing slopes and slate soils that imbue the grapes with extraordinary minerality and tension. The 2015 vintage enjoyed a warm and stable summer, punctuated by cool nights that preserved vibrant acidity, culminating in delicately botrytised berries hand-picked at meticulous ripeness. The Auslese designation indicates a late harvest, with berries selected for their exceptional sugar content, resulting in a golden-hued wine bursting with ripe stone fruits, apricot, honey, and floral nuances, beautifully counterbalanced by Mosel’s signature freshness and an enduring mineral backbone.

The Mosel valley itself is one of Germany’s most storied and picturesque wine regions, with vine cultivation traced back to Roman times. Its serpentine river moderates temperatures, protecting grapes from frost and allowing an extended ripening season—ideal for Riesling, which thrives in the cool, humid climate. The precipitous slopes, often exceeding a 45-degree incline, are lined with slate soils that reflect sunlight, enhancing grape ripeness and contributing to the wine’s pronounced minerality and vibrancy. Over centuries, Mosel’s winemakers have honed their craft, producing sweet Rieslings that are revered for their balance and ageing potential.

This restrained yet opulent style pairs delightfully with a range of dishes. Regional specialties such as roasted pork with apples, duck confit, or a slice of onion tart will echo the wine’s fruit and subtle savoury depth. The wine’s lush sweetness and acidity also create a memorable partnership with spicy Asian cuisine—think Thai green curry or Szechuan fish. For dessert, serve with fruit tarts or blue cheese, notably Roquefort, to accentuate its honeyed complexity.

To fully appreciate its aromatic intensity and delicate balance, serve this Riesling Auslese lightly chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. Allow the wine to open in the glass to reveal its evolving perfume. While splendid now, with proper cellaring, this wine will continue to evolve, gaining depth and nuance over the decades.