Joh Jos Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2021
Joh Jos Prüm is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Mosel region of Germany, known for producing some of the finest Riesling wines in the world. The history of the estate can be traced back to the early 20th century when Johann Josef Prüm established his winery. Today, the estate is under the direction of Katharina Prüm, who has continued the family legacy of producing stunning Riesling wines. The vineyards are situated on slopes with steep inclines that allow for optimal sun exposure, and the slate soil provides a unique minerality that is a signature characteristic of Joh Jos Prüm wines. The wines produced by Joh Jos Prüm are known for their balance, complexity and exceptional aging potential. The Kabinett wines are light and elegant, with notes of citrus, apricot and mineral.
The Mosel wine region is situated along the Mosel River in Germany. This region is renowned for producing some of the best Riesling wines in the world. The steep slopes of its vineyards, which rise from the riverbank, provide ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The unique terroir of the region, which consists of a combination of climate, soil, and vineyard sites, produces wines with a distinct flavour profile.
Joh. Jos. Prüm's vineyards are a hallmark of the estate's success. The winery maintains a total of 14 hectares of holdings in several vineyards, including Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Graacher Himmelreich, Bernkasteler Lay, Bernkasteler Badstube and Zeltinger Sonnenuhr. All of these sites are exclusively dedicated to growing and harvesting Riesling grapes for Joh. Jos. Prüm. Of these sites, Wehlener Sonnenuhr and Graacher Himmelreich are the most essential for the winery, both in terms of quantity and quality. Seventy percent of the vines across these vineyards are ungrafted, indicating that the winery holds true to traditional winemaking practices. Depending on the specific vintage, the average annual production of wine is typically between 10,000 to 13,000 cases. Prüm's vineyards are dedicated solely to Riesling production, with the Wehlener Sonnenuhr and Graacher Himmelreich vineyards being the most important.
Kabinett is a German wine term used to describe a category of wines that are made from fully ripened grapes of the main harvest and have a light and non-chaptalized character, meaning that no additional sugar is added during the winemaking process. Kabinett wines are the lightest of all the wines in the German Prädikat system, which is used to classify wines according to the ripeness level of the grapes when they are harvested. The ripeness levels include Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein and Trockenbeerenauslese. Kabinett wines can range in style from dry to off-dry and can exhibit flavors and aromas of citrus, stone fruit, floral and mineral notes and can vary in sweetness level. In the German wine classification system, Kabinett is the lowest ripeness level for wines that can be classified as Prädikatswein. Kabinett Riesling has a sweetness level that can range from dry to off-dry and can exhibit flavors and aromas of citrus, stone fruit, floral and mineral notes. It is classified as the lowest level of Prädikatswein in the German wine classification system. Kabinett Riesling is prized for its lightness, balance and for being delicious when paired with a variety of foods.
The Joh Jos Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2021 is a refined expression of a classic Mosel Riesling. This exquisite wine showcases a delicate balance of acidity and minerality, creating a harmonious symphony on the palate. Upon first sip, one is greeted by a vibrant medley of flavors, including luscious stone fruit notes, bright citrus undertones and subtle hints of spice. The combination of these elements creates a captivating dance on the taste buds, offering a sensory experience that is both captivating and indulgent. As the wine gracefully unfolds, the terroir of the vineyard reveals itself, adding depth and complexity to the overall profile. The iron-rich soil imparts a unique character to the wine, resulting in a savoury bouquet of herbs and lemon pith. This intricate interplay of flavours enhances the richness of the wine, allowing it to evolve and surprise with every sip. Towards the finish, the Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2021 unveils further layers of green apricot and almond, creating a delightful interplay between sweetness and nuttiness. A lingering leesy and grassy essence adds a touch of elegance to the wine, while savoury apricot kernel and cereal notes delicately round out the experience. Drawing attention to the vineyard conditions, the Graacher Himmelreich boasts a slightly westward-facing aspect, showcasing a more southwest exposure compared to its counterpart, the Wehlener Sonnenuhr. This distinctive orientation contributes to the wine's signature attributes, including a racy acidity that enlivens the palate, a pronounced minerality akin to crushed rock and a captivating fruit profile leaning towards the citrus spectrum. Thanks to its unique characteristics, the Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2021 possesses a youthful charm that allows for earlier accessibility compared to the Wehlener Sonnenuhr. It is a wine that effortlessly tantalizes the taste buds, leaving them refreshed and craving for more. Its mouth-watering allure is truly a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship behind Joh Jos Prüm.
Apricot, nectarine and elderflower aromas and flavors mark this feathery white, which does show a lot of substance that is backed by firm acidity. The mineral backbone doesn't reveal itself until the lingering, stoney finish. This needs a few more years to fully shine. Best from 2025–2035." -Wine Enthusiast, 91/100 Points
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - Germany
Region - Mosel
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 8%