Weingut AJ Adam, Im Pfarrgarten Riesling Feinherb 2022

Andreas & Barbara Adam's winery is in the Drohn valley region - which takes its name from this tributary of the Mosel river. It's around 50km north-east of Trier, so not too far from the border with Luxembourg.

The steep, southwest-facing Hofberg was first recognised as a premium vineyard site back in 1868, and its fame continued into the 1950s and 60s. However, some of the vineyards were later abandoned as younger generations moved to the cities rather than farm the steep slopes - Andreas's parents included. However, Andreas took a renewed interest in his family's vineyard whilst he was studying at Geisenheim University, and he took work experience at some other notable German estates. His first official vintage was in 2000, aged just 21, from grapes grown in the one hectare vineyard that had belonged to his grandfather.

Andreas invested in vineyards in the Dhron valley when land was inexpensive, as the slopes were steep and hard to cultivate. Joined by his younger sister Barbara in 2013, after her graduation from Geisenheim and a stint at Keller in Rheinhessen, the estate has taken its place as one of the very finest estates in the Mosel. The two siblings work side by side and are responsible for vineyards and cellar together. Andreas & Barbara farm 5 hectares of vineyards but these again are spread over 45 separate parcels on the Hofberg, Häs’chen and Goldtröpfchen in Piesport, in a full spectrum of styles from dry to sweet. Soils here are predominantly grey-blue slate and quartz.

All harvesting is by hand, with thorough selection in the vineyard and minimal intervention. Only natural yeasts are used and wines are left on their lees for extended periods. The winery employs a combination of stainless steel tanks plus traditional oak fuder.