Location and climate
Meissen is located in the Elbe valley in the Saxon wine-growing region. The vineyards of the region extend along the Elbe. The continental climate is characterised by warm, dry summers and cold winters. Pronounced daytime warmth, cool nights and long sunny periods in summer and autumn define the climatic conditions.
Wine-growing landscape
The wine-growing landscape includes the Spaargebirge with pronounced relief, steep vineyard sites, terraces and historically significant dry-stone walls. In the Elbe valley, different geological formations meet, including rocks from the Meissen granite-syenite massif, chalk sandstones, pläner layers, weathered material, loess, clay and river sands.
Wine-growing in Meissen
Wine-growing in Meissen has been documented since 1161. The German Wine Institute describes Meissen as the cradle of Saxon wine-growing. Terraces, slopes and steep sites shape cultivation; at many locations, the work is carried out mainly by hand. Documented grape varieties include, among others, Goldriesling, Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder, Weißburgunder, Traminer, Scheurebe, Riesling, Spätburgunder, Regent, Helios, Hibernal and Solaris. Goldriesling is regarded as a regional speciality of Saxony.
Wine-making
The Meissen wine-growing region is predominantly associated with white wine. At the Ratsweinberg, Goldriesling, Müller-Thurgau and Scheurebe are matured in modern stainless-steel tanks. For sparkling wine from the Kapitelberg, a first fermentation in stainless-steel tanks or wooden casks, followed by bottle fermentation and longer ageing on the lees, has been documented. Cultivation there also includes hand harvesting, pressing whole grapes and dispensing with insecticides and herbicides.
