Fritz Haag whose family has been engaged in viticulture at Brauneberg since 1605, is the town's most important proprietor. Using traditional cellar techniques and careful, selective harvesting he produces Brauneberger wines that have power and elegance with fine Riesling fruit and a subtle slate background in balance with generous fruity acids. One of his ancestors was a co-founder of the Brauneberger-Juffer-Sonnenuhr vineyard site. At present, the Fritz Haag estate owns the largest and best portion of this vineyard.

A sixth-century chronicle state that the vineyards of Brauneberg were "propter vinum" (because of wine) bequeathed to Verdun, France, then an important Roman commercial center. Napoleon paid tribute to the Brauneberger wines by fixing their prices above those of all other Mosel wines. When, in 1806, the Mosel vineyard sites were divided into classes according to the quality of their wines, Brauneberg was the only name in the first rank.

A brilliant off-dry style Riesling Kabinett from the Mosel Valley with good concentration and lower alcohol. The Brauneberger Juffer Kabinett is a selection of early-picked fruit and has a very fine, delicate structure. The color is a pale yellow with purity in the glass. Complex aromas of apricot, ripe juicy red apple, a hint of citrus zest, edgy stone minerality and an initial hint of flint. The acidity races through the palate with much energy and focus to counter the sweetness and add mouthwatering freshness through to a long finish. 224 cases imported of this lovely Riesling Kabinett and totally worth seeking out!

By Perry Miroballi