Wwe. Dr H. Thanisch, Erben Thanisch

Historic Mid-Mosel Estate

If German wines weren't already confusing enough, there are two producers in Mosel called Dr H. Thanisch. The one that we follow is Dr H. Thanisch, Erben Thanisch, also known as Wwe. Dr H. Thanisch (Wwe. is the shortened form of witwe, meaning 'widow'). The other is Dr H Thanisch, Erben Muller-Burggraef. Erben means 'heirs'. These two estates were one until 1986, so you can understand how they have an almost identical range of wines. I hope that has cleared that up.

Dr H. Thanisch, Erben Thanisch has existed for 12 generations. The winery is named after Dr. Hugo Thanisch, who died in 1895. The family's females have led the winery for the subsequent five generations. It is currently run by Sofia Thanisch (11th generation) and her daughter Christina (12th).

The estate, which totals nine hectares, owns parcels in four Grosse Lage (Grand Cru) vineyards. Bernkasteler Lay, Bernkasteler Graben, Bernkasteler Badstube, and Berncasteler Doctor (note the traditional spelling for 'The Doctor'). The latter is one of the most remarkable vineyards in the Mosel, in Germany. This spectacular vineyard has slopes reaching 70% gradient and is primarily planted with ungrafted vines on classic Mosel Devonian slate.

Thanisch produces a classic range of Mosel wines, from dry (trocken) to fully sweet and all points in between. What they all have in common is their fragility, beauty, and minerality.