rating A
standout one of the best producers in Saar (and therefore Germany)
about Saar is a region historically linked to Mosel, and in the shadow of the better known area. It’s finally recognised as its own place, with one of the coolest and most difficult growing conditions in Germany. Florian Lauer has led the quiet revolution in Saar winemaking; the focus is Riesling, for a dry, linear style reflected in the sparkling wine. Lauer also occasionally releases late-disgorged bottlings: both the 1984 and 1992 are available.
wines tasted
Riesling Sekt 2018 ($40)
A truly exceptional sparkling wine which is everything great about Riesling and bubbles: aromatic, zesty, floral, spicy, lightly earthy, with a subtle petrol character developing. Great example of how good Sekt can be. 40 months lees ageing. 2017 also tasted; slightly more austere.
Riesling Sekt 1984
Lauer holds aside wine for late disgorgement; acidity remains fresh but this is a mature wine dominated by tertiary aromas which makes it more of an interesting curiosity.
website https://lauer-ayl.de/en/home/
email weingut@lauer-ayl.de
phone +49 6581 3031
address Trierer Straße 49, Ayl
“In these great and exceedingly rare wines of the Saar, there is a combination of qualities which I can perhaps best describe as indescribable – austerity coupled with delicacy and extreme finesse, an incomparable bouquet, a clean, very attractive hardness tempered by a wealth of fruit and flavor which is overwhelming.”
Frank Schoonmaker, Wines of Germany (1956)