deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Markus Molitor is an iconic Mosel producer of fine German Rieslings. He embodies a winegrowing tradition spanning eight generations nurturing the same family vineyards now under his care. As the head of Weingut Markus Molitor, Markus oversees some 38 ha of vines. How far he has come since his first vintage in 1984, when only 20-years-old, he took over just 7 ha of Riesling.

Renowned for his meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, crafting wines of unparalleled precision, complexity, and age-worthiness. From his various yet all famous vineyards Bernkasteler Doctor to the iconic Erdener Prälat and Scharzhofberger, Molitor’s wines are a masterclass in terroir-driven excellence.

But his precise, perfectionist meticulous work, in the vineyard and winery alike that has earned him accolades from the world’s leading wine publications. His achievements are all the more remarkable considering that his plots are worked entirely by hand, on vertiginously steep slopes (up to 80%). What’s it like in the glass? Well, you’ll get to see when you pop one why its considered amongst the best the Mosel has to offer.

Each bottle must be a reflection of the steep slopes, slate soils, and unique microclimates of the Mosel and Saar Valleys. The result is a portfolio that ranges from crystalline dry Rieslings to sumptuous sweet Ausleses, all of which have earned critical acclaim and a devoted following among collectors and critics.

All are great food wines, so expand your horizons and try as many as you can. If you buy a few, then lay some down to gain more complexity in the cellar. Prost!

Pictured:

2021 Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Gold Cap (Mosel, Germany) – $49.99

Other available Molitor’s for your consideration:

2024 Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spatlese (Mosel, Germany) – $53.99

2021 Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Gold Cap (Mosel, Germany) – $61.99

2024 Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese Gold Cap ** (Mosel, Germany) – $88.99

2024 Markus Molitor Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett Gold Cap (Mosel, Germany) – $199.99

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Parras Wines Castelo do Sulco Selecao Enologos Tinto (Lisboa, Portugal) – $15.99, regularly $19.99.

Parras Wines is a large company with holdings in Alentejo, Dao, Tejo, Douro, Vinho Verde and Lisboa. Over 20 brands of wines encompass their portfolio. Parras Vinhos was founded in 2010 by Luís Vieira whose beginnings was in bulk wine.

Our feature wine this week is their Castelo do Sulco Selecao Enologos Tinto, Enologos translating to Winemaker’s Selection, based out of the Lisbon region with 120 hectares under vine. The main objective of the large team has been to maintain the typical characteristics and quality of the ancient wines, showcasing their unique terroir. This is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, offering up a delightfully indulgent burst of ripe red berries, quite aromatic – you can almost smell the spice warming up in a cellar. Despite a brief encounter with French oak, it retains a wonderfully full body experience with plenty of ripe plum and blackberry fruit. It pairs beautifully with grilled beef – a match made in wine heaven.

Parras Wines Castelo do Sulco Enologos Tinto (Lisboa, Portugal) – $15.99, regularly $19.99.

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the de Martino Estate Organic Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley, Chile) – $19.99 (regularly $24.99).

The de Martino family has been producing wines in Chile since 1934. The winery is run by the 4th generation – brothers Marco and Sebastian. Their mandate is to produce wines that reflect their origin and character of each vineyard, based on solid principles of sustainable farming and traditional winemaking techniques.

The climate is characterized by a maritime influence with a high annual precipitation (900 mm. on average), and the vines are grown on slopes on old granite base. They are old pre-phylloxera vines, rainfed. The vineyard is worked manually and the soils are plows on horseback, respecting the ancient local traditions. Sustainable practices in vineyard, winery and in employment.

Our weekly special this week is their Estate Organic Cabernet Sauvignon, displaying a vibrant purple hue, with fresh, ripe berry aromas enhanced by a subtle hint of violet. From Isla de Maipo, it offers elegant, refreshing acidity. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and smooth, with a juicy fruit core balanced by soft, rounded tannins. An old world feel here. Pair with red meat.

de Martino Estate Organic Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley, Chile) – $19.99 (regularly $24.99)

Return to devinewines.ca