Josef Friederich Riesling Auslese

Josef Friederich Riesling Auslese is a German Prädikatswein made from late-harvested Riesling grapes, bottled at 750ml and approximately 6.5% ABV. Produced by Weinkellerei Josef Friederich in Zell an der Mosel, this Auslese-level wine stands out for its remarkably low alcohol and concentrated residual sweetness — hallmarks of grapes left on the vine well past standard harvest.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~6.5%  |  Origin: Mosel, Germany  |  Auslese (Prädikatswein)  |  Producer: Weinkellerei Josef Friederich, Zell/Mosel

Production & Heritage

Weinkellerei Josef Friederich operates from Zell, a historic winemaking town along the Mosel River known for its dramatically steep, slate-rich vineyards. The winery draws fruit from multiple vineyard sites across the Mosel and Rheinhessen, including parcels such as Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay and Oppenheimer Krötenbrunnen. Auslese — meaning "select harvest" — designates grapes picked at elevated must weights, typically showing the influence of botrytis or extended hang time. The resulting wine retains significant natural grape sugar, which contributes to the low alcohol level and lush sweetness that define this style. The steep, slaty terrain of the Mosel's best sites imparts a mineral backbone that counterbalances that richness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Green apple and ripe peach lead the nose, followed by soft pineapple and melon. A layer of honey and subtle vanilla develops as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is round and honeyed, with ripe stone fruit and tropical melon filling the mid-palate. As it progresses, flavors of baked apple and pineapple emerge, balanced by a gentle acidity that keeps the sweetness from cloying. The overall impression is harmonious and lush without heaviness.

Finish: Long-lasting and gently sweet, with lingering notes of peach, honey, and a trace of orange zest. Older vintages may develop waxy, Edelfirne-like complexity that adds depth to the finish.

How to Drink Josef Friederich Auslese

Serve chilled to approximately 8–10°C (46–50°F) in a tulip-shaped wine glass to concentrate the aromatics. This Auslese is best enjoyed on its own as a dessert wine or alongside food. A Riesling Spritz — combining the wine with a splash of sparkling water and a lemon twist — makes a refreshing low-alcohol aperitif. It also works beautifully in a White Sangria, where its peach and melon notes amplify fresh summer fruit. For a simple but elegant pairing drink, pour it alongside a cheese course in place of a traditional dessert cocktail.

Best For

• Serving as a standalone dessert wine after a dinner party
• Gifting to someone exploring German Prädikat wines
• Pairing with a holiday cheese board or fruit-based desserts
• Introducing lower-alcohol sweet wines to curious drinkers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Josef Friederich Auslese taste like? It delivers a honeyed, fruit-driven profile dominated by ripe peach, melon, and green apple, with a round sweetness balanced by Mosel acidity. Older vintages develop waxy, orange-zest complexity.

How does Josef Friederich Auslese compare to Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese? Joh. Jos. Prüm is a single-vineyard estate wine from one of the Mosel's most celebrated sites, commanding significantly higher prices and critical attention. Josef Friederich sources from multiple vineyard sites and positions as a more accessible introduction to the Auslese category.

Is Josef Friederich Auslese good for beginners? Its approachable sweetness, low alcohol of around 6.5%, and fruit-forward character make it an excellent entry point for drinkers new to German Prädikat wines.

Where is Josef Friederich Auslese made? It is produced by Weinkellerei Josef Friederich based in Zell an der Mosel, in Germany's Mosel wine region. The winery also draws fruit from vineyard sites in Rheinhessen.

What foods pair well with Josef Friederich Auslese? Blue cheese and aged Roquefort work well, as the wine's sweetness offsets salty, pungent flavors. Fruit tarts, particularly those with peach or apricot, echo the wine's stone-fruit notes. Foie gras or rich pâté is a classic Auslese pairing. Mildly spiced Thai or Vietnamese dishes benefit from the residual sugar tempering the heat. Crème brûlée mirrors the honeyed, vanilla-tinged character.

What sizes does Josef Friederich Auslese come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Josef Friederich Auslese worth the price? It positions as an entry-level to mid-range Auslese, offering genuine Prädikat quality — late-harvest fruit, concentrated sweetness, and Mosel minerality — at a fraction of what single-vineyard estate bottlings command.

Why Josef Friederich Auslese?

German Riesling Auslese occupies a unique space in the wine world: intensely sweet, naturally low in alcohol, and capable of aging for decades. Josef Friederich's version delivers the core appeal of this style — honeyed stone fruit, tropical depth, and a long, balanced finish — from genuine Mosel and Rheinhessen vineyard sources. The notably low ABV of around 6.5% means this is a wine built on natural grape concentration rather than fermentation, letting the fruit and terroir speak clearly. For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Germany's Prädikat tradition without the premium of a single-estate label, this bottling fills that role convincingly.