Mumm'sche Weinbaudomäne - Johannisberger Unterhölle Riesling Edelbeerenauslese 1949

1. Introduction

This wine is an exceptional rarity from one of the most renowned vineyards in the Rheingau. Johannisberger Unterhölleis one of the historically most important Riesling sites in Germany, and the 1949 vintage is considered legendary, especially for Prädikat wines of the highest quality.

2. Historical context & winery

The Mumm'sche Weinbaudomäne(not to be confused with the Mumm sparkling wine company) was an important winery in Johannisberg with a long tradition. The winery was later dissolved, making wines like this one sought-after collector's items.

The year 1949 was an outstanding vintage in the Rheingau:

• Optimum ripening with a long growing season

• Ideal conditions for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea)

• Low harvest quantities with maximum concentration

3. Sensory description (based on available tasting notes)

A wine of this type is rarely tasted today and is considered a living wine legend.

Colour: Deep gold to amber with orange-brown reflections - typical of mature Rieslings with botrytis influence.

Nose:

• Intense, complex range of aromas

• Ripe tropical fruit (mango, dried apricots)

• Honey and beeswax notes

• Caramelised almonds

• Petrol and minerality (classic Riesling ageing)

• Distinct botrytis flavours (marzipan, spices)

Palate:

• Incredible sweetness, perfectly balanced by a lively acidity structure

• Viscous, almost oily texture (typical of Edelbeerenauslese wines)

• Long-lasting finish with minutes of lingering aftertaste

• Flavours of honey, dried fruit, candied citrus and a mineral base

4. Special features of the Auslese category

Edelbeerenauslesewas a historical quality designation that was even higher than Beerenauslese and referred to individually selected, noble rotten berries. Today, this wine would probably be classified as Trockenbeerenauslese.

5. Current condition & ageing potential

A 1949 wine is naturally at an advanced stage of maturity:

• With optimal storage (dark, constant 10-12°C), such a wine can still be enjoyable

• The high concentration of residual sugar and acidity acts as a natural preservative

• The wine should be handled with extreme care and should not be transported if possible

6. Significance & value

• Cultural: Testimony to the art of German viticulture in the post-war period

• Sensory: Vivid example of the incredible ageing potential of high-quality Rieslings

• Economic: At auctions, comparable bottles reach four- to five-figure sums (euros)

• Rarity: Only a few bottles still exist worldwide

7. Recommendations

• If a tasting is planned: Open with great care (cork can be brittle)

• Ideal for meditation or with heavily matured cheese (e.g. Gorgonzola)

• Serving temperature: 10-12°C

• Enjoy immediately after opening, as oxidised wines of this type do not keep for long

8. Conclusion

The Mumm'sche Weinbaudomäne Johannisberger Unterhölle Riesling Edelbeerenauslese 1949 represents a piece of German wine history and epitomises a production philosophy that has almost been lost. It epitomises the maximum concentration and complexity that was possible in the Rheingau and serves as a reference point for the ageing potential of Riesling.

Note: This report is based on historical records, auction catalogues and occasional tasting notes. As this wine is extremely rare, actual sensory impressions may vary.