Carl Loewen

The vinification of Maximin Klosterlay is done following the traditional methods of the Mosel. After a long harvest and a spontaneous fermentation in old fuder barrels (1000 liter Mosel oak barrels) the wine remains on the yeast until bottling. The result is a Riesling that embodies elegance and richness in perfect harmony.

Rich aromas of fruit, ripe lemon, peach, stony, floral, with hints of herbs, citrus zest and spices. Rich in the mouth, minerally, charmingly creamy, round and juicy and Riesling with a few grams of residual sugar. This is an excellent Riesling for people who do not like the classic, strong acidity of the grape.

At the Loewen winery they grow vines that reach an almost biblical age. The roots go deep into the soil, so even in dry summers the small but golden yellow grapes reach a good level of ripeness. For Riesling "Alte Reben" the grapes are harvested from vines at least 50 years old. The yield of these vineyards is small, but the ripening of the grapes is excellent. The spontaneous fermentation that follows the harvest takes place over a period of 100 days and only a few days before bottling the yeast is removed.

The result is a wine that shows the full spectrum of Riesling aromas along with a wonderful richness and the elegance of a prima ballerina. Full and complex nose of stone fruit, quince, orange and lemon with some floral notes. Herbal and spicy. Juicy, expressive and well-structured with a long mineral aftertaste.

A few years ago, the Loewen winery acquired a vineyard in Leiwener Klostergarten which offers an ideal terroir for Pinot Blanc. It has a southwest exposure and the soil consists of deep gray shale. Even in drier periods, this terroir can save enough water.

After a late harvest the Pinot Blanc matures in Moseltypical wood barrels, the so-called Fuder. These barrels give the aroma of the wine a note of new wood. The fermentation lasts three months while it is done with the "sur lie" technique until shortly before bottling. Pinot Blanc shows the typical ease and elegance of the Mosel. The bouquet is defined by the minerality of the slate terroir and the green bean, lemon, pear and quince aromas of the Pinot Blanc. The fruit and elegance of the wine enchant with the power and richness in the background.

In the Mosel dialect, the word Quant describes something that is simply good: for example a delicious dinner in a nice atmosphere or fun with friends. This spirit represents Riesling Quant. The grapes ripen until October, so they can fully develop before they are harvested. During this late harvest the weather is already cold. The must reaches the cellar at low temperatures. Spontaneous fermentation takes weeks at these temperatures. These wines retain a small and natural amount of sugar. In addition they have a wonderful harmony together with a dry taste impression.

The elegance of the wine is exciting and makes the enjoyment simply Quant. This wine perfectly reflects Loewen's winemaking philosophy. Elegant and ripe aromas of pear, lemon and fresh herbs make this a charming, rich and balanced semi-dry Riesling. All this is confirmed by comments from great critics such as Robert Parker, Jancis Robinson, James Suckling and Stuart Pigott.

Low yield and healthy grapes are the basis for an intense, fruity wine. From hundreds of years old vineyards they selected seeds from those vines and planted a new vine. Thus the grapes used for Varidor have the characteristics of the early 20th century and thus the full range of Riesling aromas can be discovered. After smooth pressure, the juice is fermented without the addition of yeast and remains on the lees until bottling.

According to the Swiss newspaper Schweizer Blick, it is the best white wine from German-speaking countries. Pure, refined, juicy, fresh, well-structured, balanced and elegant Riesling. Aromas of passion fruit, apricot, lime, wild strawberry, jasmine and slate. One of Loewen's great wines with an amazing quality-price ratio. Enjoy the wine with fish, salads, vegetables and pasta with white sauces.