"King of Riesling" Ernst Luzern: "Kimchi and Riesling Wine, the Perfect Pairing"

Dr. Luzern, Mosel’s Esteemed Riesling House, Continues Six Generations of Family Winemaking
"Envisioning the Wine Clearly Even Before Picking the Grapes"

"A good pairing is simply enjoying your favorite wine with your favorite food."

Ernst Erni Luzern, CEO of Dr. Luzern, a winery representing Germany's Mosel region, said at a tasting event held on the 28th at Le Mont d'Ubain in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, "Great wine begins in the mind," adding, "Having a clear vision of what the wine should be even before harvesting a single grape is the starting point for Dr. Luzern's winemaking." The event was organized by Ayoung FBC, the importer of Dr. Luzern.

Ernst Erni Ruezen, CEO of Doctor Ruezen, is explaining about wine at a tasting event held on the 28th at Le Mont d’Uvin in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Provided by Ayoung FBC.

The Riesling grape, mainly grown in Germany, is renowned for its high acidity and freshness, earning it the title "Queen of White Wines." Thanks to its high acidity, it is one of the few white wines that can age for several decades.

Dr. Luzern is regarded as a winery that demonstrates the international prestige of Riesling, having produced wines awarded the highest honors at the Global Riesling Masters and earning the nickname "House of Riesling." The winery has been family-run for over 200 years since the early 1800s, now in its sixth generation. Dr. Luzern produces an annual 35,000 bottles of wine using ungrafted vines with an average age of 60 years, some as old as 130 years.

Erni, known in the wine industry as the "King of Riesling," took over the family business in 1988, introducing yield reduction, eliminating chemical fertilizers, and implementing strict harvest selection. He is credited with elevating the international status of Mosel Riesling.

Except for entry-level wines, Dr. Luzern insists on aging all its wines in traditional oak barrels. While modern white wines are increasingly aged for a short time in stainless steel to emphasize freshness before being bottled, Dr. Luzern maintains oak barrel aging, considering the characteristic rise in acidity when Riesling is aged in stainless steel.

Erni explained, "When wines are aged in oak barrels, they undergo subtle oxidation, which creates complexity," and added, "High-acidity Rieslings become more harmonious as they slowly oxidize in the barrel."

Major wines of 'Doctor Loozen'. Provided by Ayoung FBC.

At the tasting event, all the Dr. Luzern white wines I experienced were marked by outstanding acidity and freshness. It was fascinating that despite being the same varietal, each wine showcased a distinctly different flavor profile. The "Dr. Luzern Blue Slate Riesling Dry 2022" uses Riesling grapes grown in blue slate soil with a high iron content. It offered a fresh initial taste followed by a hint of weight, and its acidity was less pronounced than other Rieslings, making its balance a clear strength.

The "Dr. Luzern Red Slate Riesling Dry 2019" delivered a burst of freshness that filled the mouth, giving the impression of drinking a sparkling wine. I paired it with bluefin tuna, and the wine's intense flavors gradually softened, enhancing the taste of the food.

The "Dr. Luzern Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Im Reichen GGR 2015" was surprisingly full-bodied for a white wine, with a spicy, complex, and delicate character. It had the distinctive petrol and honey aromas found in well-aged Rieslings over ten years old and paired excellently with fish dishes.

The "Dr. Luzern Erdener Pralat Riesling Dry GG Reserve 2014," produced in a limited quantity of just 3,000 bottles annually, stood out for its powerful performance. It had the signature petrol aroma of mature Riesling combined with floral notes, a refreshing yet weighty palate, and a creamy, lingering finish that was captivating.

Erni commented, "Riesling wines pair well with sauerkraut, often called the kimchi of Germany," and added, "Korean kimchi would likely pair even better with Riesling, which goes well with spicy food. Korea is a market with a diverse and sophisticated food culture, including spicy foods, fermented dishes, and seafood, making it an environment where Mosel Riesling, rich in acidity and minerality, can truly shine in pairings."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.