Clean Slate Mosel Riesling 2007

Clean Slate is the product of a partnership between Moselland of Bernkastel-Kues, Germany and The Winebow Group. Moselland is the largest vineyard owner in the Mosel and one of Germany’s top exporters of Riesling. The thin slate stones of vineyards in the Mosel River Valley are a critical factor in crafting Riesling of exquisite balance. The stones are so precious that should any slip into the river, they are carefully retrieved and carried back up the treacherously steep vineyard slopes and returned to their place. The slate’s ability to reflect and retain heat is essential to ripening grapes in this cool climate, and what develops the fresh peach, crisp lime, and subtle mineral flavors of these wines. Clean Slate is made of Riesling grapes sourced from selected vineyards throughout the Mosel region. Known for its steep slopes, the region’s exceptional climate and mineral-rich slate soil create the perfect growing conditions for this grape. The cool climate of Mosel’s northerly location allows grapes to ripen very slowly, while the slopes give the vines ideal sun exposure. Further protection comes with the Mosel River’s tendency to hold heat, keeping vines protected from getting too cold and creating a special microclimate for ideal ripeness levels. The thin, stony topsoil forces the vines to root deep through the rocks for water and nutrients, resulting in wines of excellent minerality and complexity. In the course of harvest, Clean Slate makes daily decisions regarding which grapes to pick, based on ripeness and maturation in the different areas of the region. Winemaker, Peter Meurer, insists on the gentle handling of the grapes, which are then fermented and stored instainless steel tanks under temperature-controlled conditons. All of this is critical to the development of the fresh peach, crisp lime and subtle mineral flavors of Clean Slate’s wines — Peter's exquisite expression of the region’s unique essence of Riesling terroir. Peter Meurer was born and raised in the small village of Burg located in the Mosel valley and comes from a long linage of winegrowers. He started his career at the Dr. Loosen Esate in Bernkastel-Kues, followed by studies of viticulture and enology at the world famous University of Geisenheim. After graduation, he look over his family winery and became a member of the jury at the Chamber of Agriculture. Clean Slate is evidence of Peter's passion of the Mosel region and the Riesling grape.