Joh. Jos. Prum, Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel

About Joh. Jos. Prum

Joh. Jos. Prüm stands as one of the most celebrated wine estates in Germany’s Mosel Valley, with a history that traces back to 1911 when Johann Josef Prüm founded the winery. Located in the village of Wehlen, the estate is nestled along the banks of the Mosel River, where steep, slate-rich vineyards create an ideal environment for cultivating Riesling grapes. The estate’s reputation has been built upon its unwavering focus on quality, tradition, and expression of terroir, producing wines that are revered by collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.

Today, the estate remains family-owned and operated, currently under the stewardship of Dr. Manfred Prüm and his daughter Dr. Katharina Prüm, who continue to uphold the meticulous standards set by their ancestors. The Prüm family’s approach to viticulture is characterized by low yields, late harvesting, and careful selection of grapes, ensuring that only the finest fruit goes into their wines. The estate’s holdings include some of the Mosel’s most prestigious vineyards, such as Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Graacher Himmelreich, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr, and Bernkasteler Badstube. Each site imparts its own unique character to the wines, shaped by variations in soil, exposure, and microclimate.

Joh. Jos. Prüm is best known for its Rieslings, which range from delicate Kabinett to richly concentrated Trockenbeerenauslese. These wines are famed for their purity, balance, and remarkable longevity. The estate’s style emphasizes finesse and elegance, often marked by vibrant acidity, low alcohol, and expressive aromatics of white peach, citrus, and floral notes. The wines are typically fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks, and extended aging on the lees enhances complexity while maintaining freshness. Sulfur is used judiciously to preserve the wines’ clarity and ability to age gracefully.

Vintage variation plays a significant role in the character of Joh. Jos. Prüm’s wines, with each year reflecting the unique conditions of the growing season. The estate is not afraid to embrace the natural challenges of the Mosel climate, including the risk of botrytis, which can contribute to the development of lusciously sweet, botrytized wines in exceptional years. Even at the entry level, the wines are known for their precision and sense of place, while the top bottlings from Wehlener Sonnenuhr are often regarded as benchmarks for the region.

Joh. Jos. Prüm’s commitment to tradition and quality has earned the estate a loyal following and numerous accolades. The wines are highly sought after and often allocated, with older vintages commanding significant attention at auction. Despite their international acclaim, the Prüm family remains dedicated to their roots, focusing on careful stewardship of their vineyards and a hands-on approach in the cellar. For many, Joh. Jos. Prüm represents the pinnacle of Mosel Riesling, offering wines that capture the beauty, complexity, and timeless appeal of this historic region.