Location and terroir
Mertesdorf is located in a side valley of the Mosel and is surrounded by vineyards. The narrow valley combines hot days with cool to cold nights; cold air drains down from the surrounding slopes at night. The vineyards are in part on steep slopes above the valley; the sites Felslay and Mäuerchen are particularly steep. The documented soils consist of slate with quartzite layers and a thin top layer of earth above the rock.
Viticulture and grape varieties
In Mertesdorf, around 65 hectares of vineyards are farmed. As officially recognised individual sites, Abtsberg, Bruderberg, Felslay, Herrenberg and Mäuerchen are listed within the Qualitätsweinbaugebiet Mosel. The plantings are mainly Riesling; in addition, Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau, Weißburgunder, Dornfelder and Elbling are documented. For Abtsberg, Bruderberg and Herrenberg, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc are named.
Wine style
The Riesling from Mertesdorf is characterised by fine fruit acidity. Dry Rieslings with mineral notes and spice are documented, as well as off-dry Rieslings with fruit and freshness. In viticulture, natural wild herbs are maintained between the rows of vines; the wines from the estate associated with Abtsberg, Bruderberg and Herrenberg ferment spontaneously.
Historical reference
Mertesdorf is first documented by name in a deed from the year 893, which is associated with the Abbey of St. Maximin. The estate Grünhaus, associated with the vineyards of Mertesdorf, was confirmed in 966 as the property of the Abbey of St. Maximin. A survey from 1720 recorded 151,935 stocks of vines there.
