Beerenauslese (“berry select”) is a rich, honeyed dessert wine made from grapes that have been shriveled by botrytis, the “noble rot.” These extremely concentrated, mouldy grapes are painstakingly separated from the unaffected fruit and vinified to make one of Germany’s most prized vinous treasures. The legal minimum for BA must weight is 110° Oechsle, but at Dr. Loosen it usually starts with a minimum of 120° Oechsle. This Beerenauslese, exclusively from estate-owned vineyards, has a juicy mouthful of ripe fruits with a finish that is long and satisfying, but never heavy. It is perfect as an aperitif, with foie gras, or with light desserts featuring fresh fruits.