Schloss Lieser
This Estate is one of the new stars of the Mosel that in Thomas Haag (son of Wilhelm at Fritz Haag), has one of Germany’s brightest up and coming winemakers. His prime plots of land are in the top due south-facing Niederberg Helden vineyard of Lieser. Though just a few hundred metres from his father’s Brauneberg vineyards, the heavy thicker set grey/blue slate of the Helden vineyard produces heavier wines that sometimes require more initial bottle bottle age before showing their true colours.
Rigorous work in the vineyard and microscopic attention to detail in his cellars, guarantee a consistent production of good wines in poor years and outstanding wines in great years. In fact, Thomas can regularly claim to have the Mosel’s lowest yields. Since 2004, Thomas has been exploiting some vines in the famous, given to him by his father, Wilhelm Haag of the Fritz Haag estate.
The estate comprises eleven hectares (27 acres) of vineyard which are 100% planted to Riesling. The vineyards include Lieser Niederberg Helden, Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuh and Brauneberger Juffer are some of the steepest on the Middle Mosel with grades up to 70%.
The various sites are: Lieserer Schlossberg and Niederberg Helden. Also in the fold are Bernkasteler Badstube, Graacher Domprobst and Himmelreich. Recently over one acre in the best portion of the Graacher Himmelreich.
Thomas Haag’s winemaking philosophy is quite closely aligned with that of his father. The vineyards are maintained to yield quality not quantity. Great care in selection during harvest, little handling in the cellar, reductive cellar work and no Suessreserve are standard modus operandi. Thomas wants to achieve wines that exhibit the typical Riesling character: ripe acid structure, vibrant and petillant palate, the pure expression of fruit, racy and light without sacrificing impact on the palate.
Website: www.weingut-schloss-lieser.de
