Mosel

Kees-Kieren

The Estate

Since 1980, the Kees brothers-Ernst-Josef and Werner-have cultivated vines on several excellent sites in the Mosel region of Germany, including the famous slopes of Graach, Kinheim, Kesten, and Erdener. The town of Graach lies on the south-west facing slopes of Mosel, just north of Bernkastel-Kues and east of Wittlich. The Graach vineyards make up part of an 8 kilometer stretch of top quality vines which are surrounded on all sides by the famous vineyards of Bernkastel, Wehlen, Abtsberg, Domprobst and Josephshöfer.

In total, the Kees Brothers manage an area covering about 5.5 hectares, the vast majority of which is planted with Riesling grapes, with Müller-Thurgau, Kerner, and Pinot Noir vines making up the remainder. The winemakers are invested in an environmentally sustainable approach, and all of the vineyard work is done almost entirely by hand.

The Soil

The soil, composed of weathered blue and Devonian slate, is rich in minerals which reflect the sunlight on to the vines during the day and radiate the soaked-up warmth during the night. This helps to ripen the grapes fully in the sometimes brutal northern climes.

Cultivation & Vinification

In the vineyard, crop thinning is employed to lower yields and ensure a late harvest. The harvest is carried out manually with several runs through the vineyard in order to ensure that the ripest fruit is selected.

The brothers produce several styles of wine, from delicate, racy, and dry to lusciously sweet, botrytis-affected Trockenbeerenauslese, all gently pressed and made in both stainless steel and old oak fuders.


Riesling Hochgewächs Graacher Himmelreich Halbtrocken

Overview: The term Hochgewächs is reserved only for wines made from 100% Riesling.

Alcohol: 11.5%

Residual Sugar: 16.5 g/l

Acidity: 7.9%

Serving Temperature: 8-10°C

Tasting Notes: A sparkling Mosel Riesling from the world-famous single vineyard “Graacher Himmelreich”.  This Riesling is fresh, fruity, and semi-dry.

Food Pairings: Asian cuisine and pasta dishes.


Riesling Hochgewächs Graacher Domprobst QbA Trocken

Overview: “Domprobst” is an ancient vineyard whose name is derived from the Cathedral Provost (Domprobst) of Trier, who was paid a third of the 10% share that was levied as a wine tax in the area.

Location: The Domprobst vineyard is situated in Graach on steep, sunny slopes.

Soil: Fertile, well-irigated, and mineral rich.

 

 

 


Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett

The Vineyard: This Riesling comes from Graacher Himmelreich, which is a prime Grand Cru location in mid-Mosel known for its mineral rich soils. The collision of tectonic plates and high temperatures long ago created a unique soil structure made up of marine sediment, mica, and other minerals. The grapes for the Himmelreich Riesling benefit from this nutrient rich soil which in turn produces extraordinary, high quality wines.

Vinification: Techniques like yield reduction by thinning of grapes and a late, manual harvest are used to ensure optimum quality of the grapes. Depending on the condition of the grapes and the wine type, the grapes are either subjected to whole bunch pressing or a light press. After a strong pre-treatment, the simpler wines are fermented in steel tanks, while the higher quality musts are generally left to ferment in wooden barrels. After 1-6 months of barrel aging, the wine is then bottled by May of the following year.

Grape Variety: Riesling

Total Production: 3,000 bottles

Alcohol: 10.0%

Acidity: 8.6 g/L

Residual Sugar: 70.8 g/L

Tasting Notes: Offers a fine interplay of minerality, stimulating acidity, and a great fruity note. Fine aromas of citrus fruits and quince are intense on the nose. Wonderfully juicy in the mouth with fine slate minerality.