|  Mouton Rothschild of Pauillac introduced labels painted by various artistes in 1945. Georg Breuer, a very well known winery producing quality German Riesling in Ruedesheim, Rheingau has been following the practice for its top quality dry Riesling from its Grand Cru vineyards, Berg Schlossberg since 1980.
The label for the 2005 vintage was released on March 8 th in Norway by Theresa Breuer, the niece of the current partner CEO, Heinrich Breuer and the daughter of Bernhard Breuer, who had worked very hard in not only bringing the quality of its international Rieslings to international recognition but also helped Rheingau's name become synonymous with top quality dry Riesling from this region.
Bernhard died unexpectedly in 2004 and the reins of the company have been take over by younger brother Heinrich assisted by Theresa.
While explaining the label story to a team of journalists who were visiting his winery post Prowein, Heinrich said, 'Maybe Madame Rothschild thinks we copied the idea from her. I am not sure if we did, but after 27 years I can proudly say that this tradition has been well established.'
Germany does not follow the system of classification of Grand Cru, Premier Cru like in Bordeaux , but over 130 years ago, the Prussian government instituted the concept of classification of vineyards based on the prices commanded by the wines from specific vineyards so they could collect higher taxes for such locations. The best ones were classified as Grand Cru.
The wineries are not permitted to use this information on the label. But the documented tax maps are easily available and every vineyard owner knows the quality level of each classified vineyard.
Berg Schlossberg is the name of the vineyard that signifies Grand Cru vineyards.
Like in the case of Rothschild, this winery producing Rheingau Riesling reciprocates the fine gesture of the artists by offering the invited artistes to some wine in return.
Click here for artist label details for each year |
