Fritz Haag (Winemaking, Best Wines, Prices 2023)
Want to add a delicious Fritz Haag Riesling to your collection?
The historic Fritz Haag wine estate is based in Brauneberg, in central Mosel River Valley, Germany. It makes a wide range of Riesling wines from a dry style to exquisite botrytized and sweet ones.
What makes Fritz Haag a remarkable wine to invest in? And, which wines should you buy?
Let’s delve into this winery’s history, winemaking, and which wines you should buy. Plus, you’ll discover the safest and quickest way to invest in this German wine.
Further reading
- Want to explore the world of wine investment? Find out how with our comprehensive Guide To Investing In Wine.
- Also discover more wines like the Delicious Malbec Wine or the Classic Champagne.
A Quick Intro to Fritz Haag
The Fritz Haag estate is a crown jewel among German Riesling wines. Owned and run by the Haag family, Fritz Haag has garnered various accolades over the years.
Once admired by Napoleon, the winery is known for its elegant, crisp wines. In fact, Fritz Haag’s finest wines are among the most exceptional Rieslings the Mosel region (former Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) has to offer.
Let’s explore this estate’s distinctive history.
Also read: Before you explore Fritz Haag wines, why don’t you mix up a cocktail or two with some of these classic Mimosaand Sangria recipes?
The History of Fritz Haag
The first mention of the Weingut Fritz Haag estate was in 1605 when the town was known as Dusemond (Latin for ‘sweet hill’.)
The name of the vineyards, ‘Juffer’ (meaning ‘old maid’ or ‘virgin’), came about in 1790 when the three unmarried daughters of the aristocratic Kurpfälzische Kammerherr Wunderlich took over the management of the vineyard.
The wines were named “Brauneberger Juffer”, and soon caught the fancy of wine connoisseurs in the country. Napoleon famously fixed their prices above other Mosel wines at the time.
In honor of the world-famous Fritz Haag vineyards, Brauneberger Juffer and Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr, Dusemond was renamed to ‘Brauneberg’ in 1925.
The Haag Family
The endlessly energetic Wilhelm Haag took over the management of the Fritz Haag wine estate in 1957. Under his guidance, the brand achieved global fame.
Wilhelm was given the title of Winemaker of the Year in 1994 by the popular Gault Millau Wine Guide (also given to the famous winemaker Dr Loosen.)
The Fritz Haag winery is now under the management of Wilhem’s son Oliver Haag and his wife.
In 2008, Weingut Fritz Haag received the prestigious “Collection of the Year'' award.
Wine Quality Classification of Fritz Haag
The Fritz Haag Rieslings have a distinct quality classification. The winery is a member of the VDP and produces “Prädikatswein” with varying levels of sweetness.
The VDP is the Association of German Quality and Prädikat Wine Estates where the best vineyards or ‘Grosse Lage’ produce ‘Grosses Gewachs’ wine. Classifications like VDP Erste Lage, Ortsweine, and Gutsweine follow in that order.
The Pradikat (‘predicate’) system in Germany is the highest German wine quality classification. German wines are categorized into these Pradikats:
- Kabinett (dry to medium-dry)
- Spatlese (sweet, late harvest wine)
- Auslese (selected harvest)
- Beerenausleese (berry selection)
- Trockenbeerenauslese (dry berry selection)
- Eiswein (ice wine)
Fritz Haag produces wines at all Pradikat levels as well as top wines designated as Grosses Gewachs.
(We’ll dive into the different types of Fritz Haag wines in a bit!)
Further reading:
Keen to discover more amazing white wines? Our guides to Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling wines are here to help!
Fritz Haag Viticulture and Vinification
The Fritz Haag vineyards are situated in the heart of Middle Mosel. The Fritz Haag estate comprises 19 hectares of vineyards planted entirely with Riesling grapes around Brauneberg. 6.5 hectares are in the Juffer site, while 3 hectares are in the Juffer Sonnenuhr site.
Both Juffer and Juffer Sonnenuhr vineyards are south-facing slate soil parcels on the Mosel River. These deep slate soils in the Mosel River Valley terroir are ideal for the Mosel Riesling.
They have an excellent micro climate that produces some of the most intense and elegant wines in the Mosel area.
The grape harvest is carried out manually and in several phases. Oliver supervises the processing of the grape varieties and the seasoning of the wines.
Winemaking at Fritz Haag
Both old oak and stainless steel tanks are used to add freshness and smoothness to the wine during the fermentation process.
The Fritz Haag vineyard produces 5,500 cases of wine annually - most of which have amazing aging potential.
Next, let’s discover the different Fritz Haag wines!
Fritz Haag Wines
Fritz Haag has 12 different wines which reflect the unique terroir of the brown slate vineyards. A pronounced fruit acidity gives these Rieslings a sleek sophistication.
Let’s explore the different Rieslings made by Fritz Haag - from deliciously sweet to dry wine.
1. Estate Wines
These are the three entry-level estate wines:
- Estate Riesling Trocken (Dry wine)
- Brauneberger Riesling Trocken “J” (75% from the Juffer vineyard, 25% from Sonnenuhr)
- Estate Riesling (slightly off-dry)
2. Single-Vineyard Wines
The steep Brauneberg hillside has always been respected as a top vineyard since the Romans cultivated the first wine grapes in the Mosel valley.
The two signature single-vineyard wines come from these two vineyards:
A. Brauneberger Juffer
This vineyard produces lighter, more delicate wines:
- Riesling GG
- Riesling Kabinett
- Riesling Spätlese
- Riesling Auslese
In particular, the Brauneberger Riesling Kabinett has a very exquisite structure with pure fruitiness true to the Fritz Haag style. It’s made from early-picked fruit from both the Juffer vineyard and Juffer Sonnenuhr vineyard.
B. Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr
Named a Grosse Lage (Grand Cru) site, it produces intense, distinctive wines with excellent purity and concentration like:
- Riesling GG
- Riesling Spätlese
- Riesling Auslese
3. Off-Dry Wines
- Brauneberger Riesling “Tradition” Feinherb
- Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Feinherb
4. Sweet Wines
- Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Goldkapsel
- Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Auslese Goldkapsel
- Beerenauslese
- Trockenbeerenauslese
How to Enjoy and Serve Fritz Haag
The Fritz Haag Rieslings make ideal pairings with shellfish dishes, briny oysters, cured meat platters and spicy dishes.
Serve them at around 8-10 degrees Celsius. Most wines can be left in your cellar for about five to 20 years or more to evolve. However, they’re also great to drink now.
Best Fritz Haag Wines to Buy in 2023
Here are some of the best Fritz Haag wines to purchase in 2023:
1. 1993 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Goldkapsel, Mosel
The vintage’s aromatic profile has plenty of Botrytis spice, sweet fruit, dried apricot, peaches, floral elements, and high residual sugar levels. The tasting notes reveal a concentration of honied fruits, chalky mineral tones, and ripe acidity.
Price of 1993 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Goldkapsel, Mosel: $3,557
2. 2007 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese, Mosel
This well-balanced dessert wine has a peach and citrus flavor with minerality on top. It has a lovely honey caramel and pineapple aroma on the palate.
Price of 2007 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese, Mosel: $1,040
3. 1993 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese Goldkapsel, Mosel
The aromas of ripe yellow fruits, spices, and petroleum all lend themselves to this delicious vintage. It’s extremely light, elegant, and precise with subtle mineral undertones.
Price of 1993 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese Goldkapsel, Mosel: $765
4. 2010 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Lange Goldkapsel Fuder 15, Mosel
Here we have a wine with fruity sweetness accompanied by herbs, mint, and butter notes. This Riesling has delightful chocolate flavor, good acidity, and a lively finish.
Price of 2010 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Lange Goldkapsel Fuder 15, Mosel: $969
5. 2005 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese, Mosel
This vintage has a deep golden hue with aromas of candied peach and lemon followed by an elegant nose of marzipan and honeysuckle. On the palate, enjoy soft raisin notes, orange nectar, floral elements, and pink grapefruit.
Price of 2005 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese, Mosel: $680
6. 2017 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Lange Goldkapsel, Mosel
The color of this wine is bright yellow with a green hue. On the nose, expect ripe apricots, wisteria, lemon peel, and a light spiciness. This well-structured vintage has elegant mineral tones, and a gorgeous fruit aroma of lemon peel.
Price of 2017 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Lange Goldkapsel, Mosel: $690
7. 2007 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese, Mosel
On the palate, this dry Riesling is gentle with fresh herbs and spice, forest honey, juicy apricot, candied orange, and pineapple.
Price of 2007 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese, Mosel: $1,032
8. 2002 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Fuder 13, Mosel
This vintage has a slight fizz that draws you in. It’s voluptuous with hints of wet stone, green apple, passion fruit, and candied citrus fruit. It has a tropical fruit element that balances the acidity and sweetness.
Price of 2002 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Fuder 13, Mosel: $600
9. 1997 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese Fuder 18, Mosel
When poured, this Mosel wine has a mild lemon yellow hue and will flood your senses. With ripe tropical notes, juiciness, and floral elements, drinking this wine is a delight.
Price of 1997 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese Fuder 18, Mosel: $242
10. 1994 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Fuder 15, Mosel
The nose has slight caramel and spice elements, along with pineapple and apricot. On the palate, you’ll notice a fresh acidity, honey, herbs, and fruits. The finish is fruity with ripe apple hints.
Price of 1994 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Fuder 15, Mosel: $126
But what makes Fritz Haag a good investment wine?
Also read: Are you looking for the ideal gift to give a wine enthusiast? This guide on exciting wine gifts should help.
Why Fritz Haag Is a Good Investment Wine
Fritz Haag Rieslings have excellent aging potential thanks to their acidity and can be aged for at least 20 years. This acidity also gives the wines their finesse.
Top-tier Rieslings such as Fritz Haag are good investment wines that show a steady price appreciation.
The 1971 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese Goldkapsel which was priced at $4,715 in February 2019 has gone up by 8% to $5,091 in January 2021.
The 1994 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese Goldkapsel was sold at $757 in February 2019, and showed an 8% increase to $818 in January 2021.
However, investing in exquisite wines like Fritz Haag or any others could be a task in itself if you were to navigate the wine buying, shipping, and storage yourself!
Thankfully, with intelligent wine investment platforms like Vinovest, investing in fine wine is easier than ever!
Also read:Dive into the world of red wine and explore these luscious Barberas, the vibrant Chateauneuf du Pape wines, or the easy-drinking Chianti wines.
Buy Fritz Haag and Other Fine Wines Through Vinovest
Vinovest is a leading wine investment platform that lets you buy the most sought-after wines from top-tier wine brands all over the world.
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How it works
Grab a glass of Barbera d’Asti and let’s begin your wine investment with these five simple steps:
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- Fill out a questionnaire about your investment appetite.
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- Watch your investment multiply.
Why should you invest via Vinovest?
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Fritz Haag: Deliciously Sweet and A Good Option For Investment
Fritz Haag wines are powerful, elegant, and make an ideal investment for wine collectors. It’s time to add this amazing collection of Rieslings to your portfolio. Just do it from the comfort of your home through a platform like Vinovest.
So, sign up on Vinovest to begin your wine investment experience today!
