Loosen Bros. USA Wine Importer

In 1996, Ernst Loosen took over the historic J.L. Wolf estate so that he could make traditionally crafted Rhine wines to complement the light and elegant Dr. Loosen Rieslings he produces in the Mosel. In the classic style of the Pfalz region, these wines are more full-bodied than Mosel wines, with higher alcohol and rich flavors of ripe fruit and stone.

The Pfalz region lies between the Haardt Mountains and the Rhine River, directly north of France’s Alsace region. As in Alsace, the mountains protect the area from harsh Atlantic weather, making it one of the warmer and drier areas of Germany. In this climate, achieving full ripeness is possible in nearly every vintage.

The Quality Concept: True Pfalz

To preserve the naturally high quality of the vineyards, Ernst emphasizes sustainable viticulture, gentle handling during harvest and traditional winemaking techniques in the cellar. This enables him to produce pure, mineral-inflected wines that express the authentic terroir of the Pfalz.

J.L. Wolf: Estate-Grown Rieslings

Ernst uses an unofficial, Burgundy-style classification of the vineyards at J.L. Wolf, based largely on a vineyard property tax assessment done by the Bavarian government in 1828. Historical accounts of quality and price confirm the first-growth (grand cru) status of the Pechstein vineyard in the village of Forst, and the second-growth (premier cru) Belz vineyard in Wachenheim. In addition, village-quality (villages) vineyards are harvested to produce Wachenheimer Riesling.

Typically, two wines are made from each J.L. Wolf vineyard — one in the traditional dry (trocken) style and one in the fruity style, with residual sweetness. Only the fruity wines are labeled as Prädikat wines. In most vintages Wachenheimer Kabinett, Wachenheimer Belz Spätlese and Pechstein Auslese are produced.

Villa Wolf: Value-Priced Varietal Wines

The Villa Wolf label is used for a value-priced line of varietal wines that show the true character of each variety as it is grown in the warm and sunny Pfalz region. Villa Wolf wines are made from J.L. Wolf estate fruit supplemented with grapes from contracted growers. Varieties include Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Silvaner and Pinot Noir (red and rosé). Like the Dr. L from Dr. Loosen, these are excellent glasspour wines, as well as great values on the retail shelf.

Villa Wolf has been recognized as a “Value Brand of the Year” by both Wine & Spirits and Wine Enthusiast.

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J.L. WOLF ESTATE-GROWN RIESLINGS

J.L. Wolf Riesling Wachenheimer (village vineyard*)

This comes form third-tier vineyards in the village of Wachenheim. Here, the weathered sandstone soils produce pure, fruit-driven wines with a distinctive stony character.

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J.L. Wolf Riesling Wachenheimer Belz (second-growth vineyard*)

This is the most powerful of all the second-growths. Belz Rieslings have a Loire-like structure and flinty flavor profile from the unusual chalky soil that is only found in this vineyard.

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J.L. Wolf Riesling Pechstein (first-growth vineyard*)

Of J.L. Wolf’s three first-growth sites in the village of Forst, Pechstein is the most assertive. The name refers to the abundant black basalt stones in the soil, which give a firm mineral edge to the wines.

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*Please note: the vineyard classification at J.L. Wolf is an internal rating based on historical records, but is not recognized by German wine law.

VILLA WOLF VARIETAL VALUES
With the 2011 vintage, we are introducing a clean and classy new label design for the Villa Wolf line of wines.

Villa Wolf Pinot Gris

The Pinot Gris variety was first identified in the Pfalz region. Villa Wolf Pinot Gris is made in a full-bodied, dry style with fresh, unoaked fruit and a crisp texture. Half of each vintage is made in large, neutral oak casks for depth and complexity. The other half is done in stainless steel to preserve freshness and enhance the vibrant fruit. An excellent partner for salmon, chicken or pork.

Villa Wolf Gewürztraminer

The Villa Wolf Gewürztraminer is clean, fruity and wonderfully light on its feet. It shows off the aromatic charm of the variety without being heavy or ponderous. It has a deliciously juicy texture and a delightfully delicate aroma of spice and fresh roses. It’s very refreshing to drink on its own and makes a perfect accompaniment to spicy Asian cuisine.

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Villa Wolf Pinot Noir

Villa Wolf Pinot Noir is warm and medium-bodied, with a firm acid structure. Its dark cherry fruit is juicy, ripe, and forward, with a spicy mid-palate. Six months of barrique aging gives the wine a smoky depth and a nice touch of earthy tannins. This is a very grown-up Pinot Noir for the price, and it’s another excellent wine for everyday dining.

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Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé

The Pfalz is a very warm and sunny region, often called “the Tuscany of Germany,” so all of the Pinot varieties do well here. The Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé is a true rosé, made with a brief maceration before pressing to extract color. It is light and refreshing, with deliciously bright berry and fruit flavors and a clean, zippy finish. It’s perfect for holiday meals, especially when ham is involved.

Villa Wolf Riesling Dry

This medium-bodied dry Riesling has lovely flavors of peach and stone, with a hint of apricot. Nicely balanced acidity gives it a juicy grip. It is an excellent match for classic continental-style cooking, especially with dishes that feature freshwater fish, chicken and pork.

Villa Wolf Riesling Dornfelder

Dornfelder is the most successful German red grape. It is a crossing developed in 1955 at the Weinsberg Wine School, and was named after the founder of the Wine School, Imanuel Dornfeld. About 20,262 acres (8,200 hectares) of Dornfelder are planted throughout Germany, accounting for 8% of the total vineyard area. The majority of this grape is produced in the Rheinhessen and Pfalz regions, each with over 7,400 acres (3,000 hectares) planted. Villa Wolf Dornfelder is a fruity, medium-bodied red wine with flavors of plums and cherries balanced by velvety tannins. It has an intense color and pairs well with a wide variety of foods.

Sales materials for some wines are still in production. If you need something that you can’t find here, please e-mail us and we will get it to you as quickly as possible.