WEINGUT MARKUS FRIES (Mosel, Germany)
Markus and Cecile Fries illustrate utter respect for what was previously worked and given to them, from a long history of family wine making. They know their place in this history and work no 'new magic' in continuing the process. The formula is very simple: Steep vineyards sites (consisting of ancient slate), ungrafted vines (40% of the total vines), and an average vine age of 60yrs. The cultivation and maintenance of the vineyards is all done by hand, with a lean toward ecological health and prosperity. Although the natural yields are low, the vines are densely planted and pruned to even lower results. All natural flora and fauna are given room to add their elements to the terrior, providing a harmonious ecosystem for the grapes. Markus makes an intense selection for only the healthiest grapes. What follows in ’Äònothing’Äô in the cellar (as the wine is made in the vineyards already). A very gentle press and spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast, a slow development of the wines in traditional 1.000 liter oak barrels, and no filtration of the wines until bottling. There is no secret technique employed by the hands of Markus. He believes the research done for 8 generations has already brought the level of fruit to perfection. He needs only to pick at the right moment and the rest is history, literally. The Fries, masters of their 4ha, steep slope cultivation since the 1700s, do little more than see it through to the bottle.
Riesling kabinett Feinherb Bernkasteler Schlossberg 2008

100% Riesling from the slate soils of Berkasteler Schlossberg vineyard. Hand harvested and naturally fermented in steel tank as 2 wines, 1 dry/1 off-dry. Blended for balance (Feinherb process) together in old oak barrels for 3-4mos. Bottled without filtration.