Description
Weingut Joh. Jos. Prüm has been at the helm of Moselle winemaking for over 100 years and has earned an excellent reputation worldwide from critics and collectors alike. Quantities are very limited.
Joh. Jos. Prüm estate (often just called “J.J.”) is situated in the Middle Mosel valley, around the 50th latitude, i.e. in one of the most northern wine-growing areas of the world. This allows an extremely long vegetation period until November, sometimes even December, with relatively cool climate conditions which give the Riesling grape enough time to develop all those typical fruity, floral and herbal aromas and flavors, keep a relatively high acidity and absorb the fine minerals from the slate soils. In order to balance this acidity, the natural grape sugar is typically not totally fermented into alcohol but there is a certain amount of residual sugar kept. This method of vinification together with the cool climate conditions result in a rather low alcohol content and perfect balance.
The estate encompasses 22 hectares (55 acres), planted exclusively with Riesling, much of it from ungrafted, old vines. Its holdings lie within some of the most esteemed sites of the Middle Mosel, including Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Graacher Himmelreich, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr, and Bernkasteler Badstube. J.J. Prüm is dedicated to conveying the authentic expression of each vineyard’s soil and climate in every vintage. This commitment is reflected in carefully timed harvests, minimal intervention in the cellar, the use of indigenous yeasts, and a tradition of later bottling. While the wines often require time to fully develop, they ultimately reveal a distinctive harmony of fruit, minerality, and acidity. Renowned for their remarkable longevity, they are celebrated for retaining freshness and youthful energy, as well as for their clarity, complexity, and expressive character.
2024 growing season began with cold temperatures (-9°C) and heavy rainfall lasting through May, doubling typical precipitation and ensuring good water reserves. February to early April brought mild to warm weather, but a sharp frost on 22nd April caused significant crop losses in Ruwer and Saar (up to 90%), while only minor damage occurred in Graach and Bernkastel. May and June saw fluctuating temperatures, with June ending in three hot days above 30°C. July remained average, while August was the warmest month, reaching 35°C. Cooler weather and more precipitation returned in September and persisted into October. The grape harvest began on 1st October with high-quality Kabinett and Spätlese grapes, progressing to Auslese, Goldkapsel, and some Beerenauslese due to late October warmth. Harvest concluded on 31st October.
The excellent water supply in 2024 – which fully saturated the soils and the lack of temperature extremes allowed the grapes to ripen evenly without suffering any stress. This resulted in extremely charming and juicy wines, with a particularly pronounced minerality. They tempt with a combination of lightness and elegance on the one hand,and texture, complexity and precision on the other – characteristics of truly classic Mosel wines.
Joh. Jos. Prüm Riesling Mosel Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese 2024 — “Juicy and well-structured with quite a firm core, this makes a bold statement. There’s a hint of bitterness interwoven with the pronounced acidity to give this a firm core. Serious minerality, but also plenty of grapefruit peel and pith flavors in the long, slightly austere finish.” – 94 points, James Suckling