Erni Loosen swung by the office in Theale along with his right-hand man in the UK Nigel Blundell, and treated us to a brief tasting session of a selection of his wines, before hitting the road again and visiting our Gloucester office.We kicked off the tasting with the Johann Wolf Pinot Noir 2007 from Pfalz, an oddity in most peoples eyes as red wines from Germany are a rare breed, or so we thought. I was surprised to be informed that Germany is the third largest producer of Pinot Noir in the world!
The wine was lovely, well balanced with juicy ripe fruits and a spicy edge – a great way to start a tasting at 11am. Next up was the Johann Wolf Pinot Blanc 2008; white flowers, fresh and a zesty finish, it would have been brilliant with shellfish, so must remember that for the next time!
Schieferberg by Loosen Dry Riesling QBA 2009 quickly followed, with its stone fruit aromas, and lively citrus body had us all impressed (plus it’s exclusive to us, so you wont find it anywhere else in the UK).
However when the Bernkasteler Lay Kabinett 2009 was poured we were in awe. Produced from old, ungrafted vines that hold onto the slate cliffs along the river from the tiny village of Bernkastel, the wine was stunning. The delicate green apple nose hits you first, followed by a slightly off-dry palate that boasts the traditional German Riesling finish, and all with only 7.5% alcohol. Very refreshing!
We did however save the best till last, Dr. Loosen Beerenauslese 2006 was tremendous; rich ripe fruit, with fresh acidity is the perfect combination and had everybody in the room clammering for a second drop.
After this a brief chat about what he’s been up to in recent months, and a rather funny story about an American lady in Vegas who obviously didn’t know her wine-making history, he was back in the car to do it all again for the next lucky set of staff.
Will Waters
Customer Tasting Manager (and big new fan of German wines)
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