The Fritz Haag estate holds a remarkable historical record, dating back to 1605 when the Haag family first established ownership, a legacy that has remained unbroken.
In 1957, Wilhelm Haag, driven by his father Fritz’s illness, returned to the estate with the intention of working a single vintage before resuming his studies in Austria. However, fate had other plans, as Wilhelm’s dedication to the estate compelled him to continue working full-time. His unwavering commitment and expertise led him to be honoured as the German Winemaker of the Year in 1994 by the esteemed Gault Millau Guide to German Wines.
After a successful tenure, Wilhelm decided to retire in 2005, passing the reins of winemaking to his accomplished younger son, Oliver Haag. Armed with a degree in oenology from Geisenheim College and enriched by apprenticeships at renowned wineries such as Dönnhoff and Karthäuserhof, Oliver now oversees the winery alongside his wife, Jessica. Meanwhile, Oliver’s brother, Thomas Haag, has owned and operated Weingut Schloss Lieser since 1993, reflecting the family’s deep-rooted involvement in the winemaking world. Notably, both Oliver and Thomas are esteemed members of the Geisenheim Alumni Association.
In recognition of their exceptional collection, Weingut Fritz Haag received the prestigious “Collection of the Year” award in 2008 from both Gault Millau and Wein-Gourmet magazine, further cementing their status as a beacon of excellence within the industry.
As an esteemed member of the Großer Ring Verband Deutscher Prädikats- und Qualitätsweingüter, Weingut Fritz Haag has demonstrated a consistent commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Wilhelm Haag, who previously served as the chairman of the Grosser Ring VDP Mosel from 1984 to 2004, continues to be involved as an honorary chairman, upholding the estate’s legacy and values.
Spanning 19.5 hectares of land in Brauneberg, Weingut Fritz Haag cultivates exceptional Riesling vines. Among these, 6.5 hectares thrive in the renowned Brauneberger Juffer vineyard, while an additional 3 hectares are nestled within the prestigious Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr vineyard. Esteemed wine experts Stephen Brook and Stephan Reinhardt hold the parcels in the Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr site in high regard, considering them to be the finest owned by Fritz Haag. Reinhardt notes that while the Juffer vineyard’s soils are slightly heavier, resulting in wines that possess a touch less refinement, their overall quality remains excellent.
Renowned wine critic Stephen Brook accentuates the estate’s prowess in crafting exceptional sweeter styles, all achieved without using Süssreserve. He highlights the wines’ tremendous concentration, invigorating minerality, profound depth of flavour, lively acidity, and remarkable longevity.
At Fritz Haag, winemaking techniques are thoughtfully employed, utilizing both old oak and stainless steel vessels under the guidance of the winemaker. The fermentation process harnesses the power of indigenous yeast, lending a unique and authentic character to the wines.
With an average annual production of approximately 5,500 cases, each vintage’s conditions shape the final outcome. The estate proudly produces wines across all Prädikat levels, including top-tier dry wines designated as Grosses Gewächs, showcasing their versatility and dedication to excellence.
One notable offering from Weingut Fritz Haag is the 2018 Brauneberger Riesling. This wine delights the senses with captivating notes of green apple, zesty lime, and a hint of fruity acacia honey, characterized by a residual sugar content of 45 g/l. A true embodiment of a Kabinett, it impresses with its freshness, lightness, and vivacity—qualities that Brauneberger Juffer Vineyard is renowned for. This superbly refined and harmonious Kabinett reflects the estate’s unwavering commitment to preserving its traditional character while consistently delivering exceptional quality.
