When the Roman poet Ausonius reached the Mosel Valley at
Piesport en route from Mainz, he aptly described the slopes
lining the river's bend as a natural, vine-clad amphitheatre.
This tremendous loop of the Mosel opens such that it faces
due south. The sun heats up the slat soil, which is augmented
by the sunbeams reflected from the surface of the Mosel to
the steep slopes above. The eastern and western fringes of
the hillside protect the centre from cool winds and contribute
to the unique microclimate of the site. The forest at the top
of the hill and the deep, clayish slate soil provide for a
sufficient balance of moisture even during a dry, hot summer.
These vineyards are blessed with gifts of nature. To find out more, go to www.haart.de.
Reinhold Haart “HAART TO HEART” 2003
Price $15.99
Rating 91
Not only is the name charming. The wine is as well. Aromas of fresh melon,
white fruit and mineral introduce the wine. The sip shows bright, fresh fruit
flavors of apple, lemon and melon followed by subtle floral and mineral.
Reinhold Haart Riesling Kabinett PIESPORTER, 2003 Price $19.99 Rating 92 The
nose reveals fresh fig and subtle, dried apricot. The sip is rich and chewy
with dried apple, currant and bright floral.
In 1763, the pastor of Piesport, Johannes Hau, succeeded in convincing the
local growers to exclusively cultivate the noble Riesling grape. The rest,
shall we say, is history- wine history. As a result, Piesport and Riesling
became synonymous with one other. He himself selected Riesling cuttings from
the parish vineyard to many villages on the Mosel and thus greatly contributed
to its dissemination. Today, Reinhold Haart owns this vineyard.
From individual, very old vines, they select those of particularly high quality
to use as the basis for topflight Rieslings when we replant the vineyards.
Reinhold Haart Riesling Spätlese PIESPORTER, 2003 Price $30 Rating 93
The nose has a nuance of cashew butter. There are flavors of rich green apple,
lemon peel, ripe fig, diverse floral and mineral in the long length.
As long ago as 1337 the Haart family cultivated vines in Piesport. It is the
oldest winegrowing family still residing in Piesport. Today, the historic wine
estate is run by Edith and Theo Haart, both of whom are totally committed to
wine
Reinhold Haart Riesling Spätlese DRHON HOFBERGER, 2003 Price $40 plus
Rating 95 The nose has a richness of cashew or lychee nut, braced within complex
mineral/slate. There are flavors of candied apple, apricot nectar, lime aid,
grapefruit, lots of floral and the mineral bass note through the long finish. “We
practice a longer fermentation, using natural yeast,” explains owner/winemaker
Theo Haart.
Reinhold Haart Riesling Spätlese OHLIGSBERG, 2003 Price $38 Rating 95
The aromas are lean with mineral. The flavors are of spicy peach, pear, more
brown spice, floral and mineral through the long, luscious finish. Spice is
the signature for this white wine.
“As a young wine this works as a before meal aperitif. With five to seven
years of age, the sweetness subsides and it pairs well with spicy foods,”
suggests owner/winemaker Haart.
Reinhold Haart Riesling Spätlese PIESPORTER GOLDTRÖPFCHEN, 2003
Price $35 Rating 95 The aromas lean towards lime and tropical, though very
subtle. Spicy flavors of candied apple, dried apricot, dried mango, spritzy
citrus and mineral make this a very special Piesporter.
There are numerous Piesporter wines in the market place that are inferior
and priced accordingly. Don’t confuse this gem with the cheap options.
Reinhold Haart Riesling Auslese PIESPORTER DOMHERR, 2003 Price $40 Rating
95 The nose offers nuances of citrus. The sip possesses bright, spicy flavors
of apricot, peach, pear, floral and a bit more mineral than usual.
Reinhold Haart Riesling Auslese PIESPORTER GOLDTRÖPFCHEN, 2003 Price
$40 plus Rating 96 The nose resounds with flint and more mineral. The sip is
rich and chewy.
There are flavors of apricot nectar, pear nectar, candied lime, candied flower
petals, roasted nuts and that hint of flint.
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