Location on the Moselle
Oberbillig lies on the right bank of the Moselle at about river kilometre 206, opposite the mouth of the Sauer. The settlement is directly by the river; above the town, a ridge rises up. Oberbillig belongs to the wine-growing region Moselle, in the area of Obermosel and the Großlage Gipfel.
Geology and history
A geological and natural history educational trail on the ridge above Oberbillig conveys the geological structures of the Saar-Moselle region. In the vineyards, yellow-brown Muschelkalk soils are documented. The settlement name Billiche is handed down for the early Middle Ages; in addition, Oberbillig is assigned to the Roman vicus Suromagus at the mouth of the Sauer.
Winegrowing in Oberbillig
Agriculture and winegrowing are among the documented economic foundations of the town. The individual vineyards Hirtengarten and Römerberg are listed in the vineyard directory for the Obermosel area. Hirtengarten comprises 20.5 hectares of planted vineyard area, Römerberg 8.3 hectares.
Grape varieties and wine style
Local producers cultivate mostly white grape varieties. Elbling, Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder and Chardonnay are documented, as well as the red variety Saint Laurent. Elbling is regarded on the Obermosel as a traditional grape variety that ripens early for still and sparkling wine and is described as a fresh, lively white wine.
