Villa Huesgen Riesling “Enkircher Steffensberg” Old Vines Spätlese Trocken
WHY WE LOVE IT
- From the Enkircher Steffensberg, a Grand Cru site rated in the top class of the historic Prussian vineyard classification, on south-facing slopes of more than 50% with copper-red and grey slate soils.
- Made from ungrafted vines, some more than 120 years old, growing on their own roots.
- A dry Spätlese with aging potential of 10 years and more.
Varietal: 100% Riesling
Elaboration: The grapes are selectively hand-picked, choosing small berries at optimal ripeness. In the cellar, the wine is moved by gravity. It ferments spontaneously and cool, with extended skin contact, in a large traditional wooden cask.
Tasting Notes: Bright yellow with a green-golden hue. Elegant and distinctive nose, with vineyard peach, pineapple, orange blossom and lemon zest. Juicy fruit and fresh acidity; powerful, with depth and length.
PRESS
2023 – 92 James Suckling | 91 Wine Advocate
2024 – 93 Wine Advocate | 90 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Villa Huesgen has made and traded wine on the Mosel since 1735 and is now run by Ado Huesgen, the eighth generation. The estate centers on the family’s 1904 Art Nouveau villa in Traben-Trarbach.
Its 6.7 hectares of steep slate vineyards around Traben-Trarbach, Enkirch and Ürzig are farmed sustainably and mostly by hand, with the steepest slopes farmed organically. In the cellar, the family keeps things natural, with hand harvesting and spontaneous fermentation. Riesling is the heart of the range.