Location on the Moselle
Briedel is an old winegrowing village on the Moselle between two large bends in the river. The municipality belongs to the Verbandsgemeinde Zell in Rhineland-Palatinate. The municipal territory also includes the Briedel Switzerland (Briedeler Schweiz), with wooded, partly rocky areas, viewpoints and marked hiking trails.
History of viticulture
A deed of gift dated 20 May 748 is considered the first documented mention of Briedel and is one of the oldest written evidence for viticulture in the Moselle valley. Remains of a Roman press near Briedel indicate early winegrowing activity in the surrounding area.
Vineyard sites and terroir
In Briedel, five vineyard sites are documented. The Nonnengarten has slate soils with a higher proportion of fine earth than the vineyards on the opposite bank of the river. In the Schäferlay, bluish slate and a high proportion of stones shape the site; it is oriented south-southwest and lies on a steep slope opposite Briedel. In the Nonnengarten, cool winds from the Hunsrück temper the warmth and support healthy ripening of the grapes with pronounced acidity.
Viticulture and wine style
The municipality reports around 1.9 million cultivated vine stocks and, in the quality winegrowing area of the Moselle, belongs to the Bernkastel district. A documented wine producer from Briedel grows Riesling, Rivaner and Dornfelder and also produces rosé-style wine (Rotling). The range includes dry, semi-dry and fruity-sweet quality wines, including dry and sweet Riesling late harvest (Spätlese) as well as Riesling Auslese. The grapes are carefully pressed; the wines ripen in part in oak barrels.
