St Nikolaus-Hospital Cusanusstift is the oldest estate in the Middle Mosel region, founded in 1458 by philosopher Nikolaus von Kues, the best known ancestor of the town of Bernkastel-Kues. He became Bishop and Cardinal then founded the St Nikolaus Hospital, a social service institution that has been functioning since 1465. Over the years, this award-winning producer has received numerous medals for his wines, and is a member of the "Bernkasteler Ring". The equipment at the winery is state of the art and the winemakers are among the finest ones in Germany. The estate also operates the Vinothek, one of Europe's most beautiful tasting facilities which gathers 140 of Germany's top producers and represents a major tourist destination.
The vineyard is located along the Mosel River and measures 15 hectares (37.05 acres) total, including the following sites: Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Graacher Himmelreich, Graacher Domprobst, Bernkastler Badstube, Bernkastler Graben, Brauneberger Juffer and Braunberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr. The 40 year-old vines are planted on steep, slate soil.
St. Nikolaus Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese is made from 100 percent Riesling.
"Sonnenuhr" means sundial. The vineyard is facing the small town of Brauneberg formerly Dusemond. It's a steep slate slope on the Mosel, with a south-southeast exposure.
Full-bodied Riesling with typical Devonian slate qualities. Luscious fruit; nice minerality, length and acidity.
59% Pinot Noir, 41% Chardonnay
An extremely fine and grouped effervescence. The dress is crystalline, luminous, and slightly golden. The nose is fruity, fresh, and tangy. Both greedy and elegant, it expresses pastry notes and aromas of fresh fruit: nougat, frangipane, candied orange, and mirabelle plum. A delicate note of passe-crassane pear carrying a touch of Williams pear liqueur can be guessed. A tonic wine, with a nice tension around the aromas of fresh fruits. Nectarine, yellow peach, and a tangy note of rhubarb develop in the mouth. The end of the mouth is clean, frank, saline, and mineral leaving a touch of bitterness and verbena.
Review:
Having retained all its youthful acidity because there was no malolactic fermentation, the Champagne is brilliantly lit. Acidity and a light texture from the Pinot Noir in the blend give the wine a crisp edge with still-young citrus.
-Wine Enthusiast 94 Points
A firm, focused version, this swathes a chiseled spine of acidity in a raw, silky texture and finely meshed flavors of yellow peach, orange liqueur, honeycomb and chopped almond. A rich streak of salinity drives the well-cut, spiced finish. Drink now through 2035.
-Wine Spectator 94 Points
GRAPE
100% Nebbiolo
VINEYARD
Serra Capelli and San Cristoforo hills
POSITION
Hillside
EXPOSURE
Southwest
COLOR
Garnet red
NOSE
Its bouquet is fruity with reminiscences of violets and raspberries
TASTE
Full, fascinating and intense taste with a good body.
TEMPERATURE
Ideal serving temperature is 16°- 18°C. Do not expose to abrupt changes in temperature. Its fragrance and scents are highlighted if put into a crystal decanter and then poured into crystal stemware with a large bowl. Swirl it around the glass to finally taste and appreciate it
ALCOHOL
13.5 - 14 %