Weingut Willi Haag

This estate has been run by the ebullient, barrel-chested Marcus Haag, grandson of Willi, since 1995. Remarkably, it has been in the hands of the same family since the fifteenth century. The estate is based in Brauneberg in the Middle Mosel, where the winery is partially cut into the rock behind a beautiful half-timbered house, built for the family some 500 years ago. Marcus’ holdings amount to just 6.5 hectares of vines (exclusively Riesling), the majority of which lie on the steep, south-facing slope known as Juffer, which overlooks Brauneberg from across the river. The most prized parcels here encircle a sundial – Sonnenuhr in German – hence the name of the vineyard: Juffer Sonnenuhr. Its southerly aspect accounts for the open-faced charm and ripeness of Marcus’ wines, while the soil is classic weather beaten slate, explaining their stunning freshness and mineral nuances.