Location on the Saar
Ayl lies on the Saar between Trier and Saarburg in Rhineland-Palatinate and belongs to the Mosel. The municipality includes the district of Biebelhausen, which lies directly on the Saar.
Steep slopes and slate soils
The vineyards around Ayl are located on steep slopes above the Saar valley. The Ayler Kupp near Biebelhausen shows mostly south to south-west facing slopes as well as individual parcels exposed to the south-east. Their elevations are about between 150 and 240 metres, with a slope gradient of roughly 20 to 60 per cent.
The soils of the Ayler Kupp consist mainly of grey-blue slate. In individual parcels, grey, red and brown clayey slate as well as hard stones and gravel are found. Different aspects, geological conditions and parcels there shape various meso- and microclimates.
Viticulture and vineyard sites
The vineyard sites documented for Ayl are Herrenberger, Kupp and Scheidterberg. Riesling is proven for all three sites. The Ayler Scheidterberg is classified as VDP.ERSTE LAGE and comprises a classified area of 3.00 hectares.
For the Ayler Kupp, Rieslings are described as having lively acidity, a solid structure, fresh fruit and density. The municipality looks back on Roman viticulture; in addition, a particularly good vintage in 1289 and a record price at an auction in 1906 for a cask of Ayler Kupp from the 1904 vintage have been handed down.
History of viticulture
A viticulture ordinance from 1787, according to local historical accounts, ordered the replacement of the widely grown grape variety Kleinberger with Riesling. For wine from the Ayler Scheidterberg, whole-cluster pressing, spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts and a two-month ageing on the lees are also documented.
