Weingut JJ Prum

“The benchmark of Riesling in terms of purity and precision.” — James Suckling

Weingut J.J. Prüm is one of Germany’s most famous and admired producers, crafting Riesling from the cool-climate Mosel Valley since 1911. Today, the estate is led by Dr. Katharina Prüm, great granddaughter to founder Johann Josef Prüm, who continues the family’s winemaking legacy. Its Rieslings are consistently elegant, aromatic, and affordably priced for discerning customers.

J.J. Prüm Winery History

The Prüm family has winemaking roots dating back to 1156, though it was not until 1911 that Weingut J.J. Prüm was officially established. Johann Josef Prüm was the estate’s first proprietor, before handing the reins to his brother Sebastian Prüm in 1920. Sebastian laid the groundwork for J.J. Prüm, pioneering the strict harvesting and vinification process, and crafting one of Germany’s greatest Rieslings of the 20th century. Unfortunately, Sebastian unexpectedly passed away at age 66 in early 1969, leaving the estate in the hands of his son, Dr. Manfred Prüm. Under Dr. Manfred, J.J. Prüm rose to legendary status on a global level thanks to exceptional vintages 1971, 1976, and 1990, and consistently produced top wines in mediocre vintages. During this time, J.J. Prüm became known for its affordable wines that could last in the cellar for decades, most notably crafting the Gold Capsule BA and TBA bottles that rivalled top German wines from Donhoff and Keller.

Dr. Manfred spent the next few decades in charge before training his daughter, Dr. Katharina, who has been the proprietor since 2003. Dr. Katharina was a lifelong lawyer with no winemaking experience, though she formally took over beginning with the 2007 vintage. The top winemaker claims to continue the Prüm legacy, rather than making any drastic changes to the long-lived estate.

Weingut J.J. Prüm Terroir

Joh. Jos. Prüm holds 20 hectares of land in the village of Wehlen on the banks of the Mosel Valley.  Mosel is the coolest winegrowing region in Europe, with temperatures reaching a high of 64 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Consequently, the Prüm winemaking team harvests from late October to January of the following year, which allows the fruit to fully ripen and develop botrytis. The fruit’s intense sweetness is also enhanced by the vine’s location, planted on the steep, Southern-facing slopes and receiving maximum amounts of sunlight.

The Kabinnett, Spatlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese (BA), and Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) are picked in order of ripeness, before undergoing spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Next, the Prüm winemaking team follows a minimal-intervention vinification, raising the wine in stainless steel tanks of large oak casks called Fuder. Lastly, the wine is aged for 5-10 years, with the Spatlese aged for as long as 20-40 years. According to most critics, J.J. Prüm Riseling can last in the cellar for up to 80 years when stored properly, making for an incredible drinking experience for seasoned drinkers.

 Secure Your Bottle of J.J. Prüm Riesling

J.J. Prüm wine has remained one of Europe’s most coveted and affordable wines for over a century. These wines are celebrated for the crystalline structure, immense aging capabilities, and incredible value compared to top bottles from Grand Cru Burgundy, First Growth Bordeaux, and more. Our collection includes highly coveted bottles like the Gold Capsule Auslese, perfect for any cellar. Stock up before it’s too late.