2003 Schloss Schönborn Riesling Beerenauslese #4, 375ml

Schloss Schönborn is one of Germany’s most historic producers. The aristocratic von Schönborn family traces its lineage back to the 14th century, and the family was involved with viticulture starting in 1349. Schloss Schönborn is the oldest estate in Germany continuously owned by the same family. The family has enlarged the operation over the 27 generations of ownership. Of note was a 17th century acquisition of a large part of the famous Erbacher Marcobrunn vineyard. Today the estate includes about 125 acres of vineyards throughout the Rheingau.

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer is Germany’s most prestigious wine region and it is comprised of the vineyards surrounding the Mosel River and its tributaries, the Saar and Ruwer. This region is the northernmost of Germany’s primary viticultural areas, located on the western edge of Germany just above the northeast corner of France. Internationally Mosel Rieslings are considered among the finest white wines in the world. In Germany and elsewhere, the region’s name is often shortened simply to Mosel, and in fact since 2007 Mosel has been the formal name of the region for viticultural purposes. The references to Saar and Ruwer were dropped for ease of marketing. The distinctively crisp, mineral tasting, acidic Rieslings produced in Mosel are attributed partly to the region’s slate soils and extremely vertiginous vineyards. Many vineyards are on 60 to 80 percent cent inclines along the three rivers. Riesling grapes represent more than half of all the grapes grown in Mosel, followed by Muller-Thurgau, a white wine grape related to Riesling, and Elbling, an indigenous white wine grape often used for sparkling wines.