Location and boroughs
Zell (Mosel) is located in the district of Cochem-Zell in Rhineland-Palatinate and is the administrative seat of the Verbandsgemeinde Zell. The town comprises the core town, Kaimt, Merl and Barl as well as the settlement of Althaus.
Moselle meander and vineyard sites
The vineyards lie on a pronounced Moselle meander. Steep slopes rise above the river and consist predominantly of weathered slate in blue, grey and red variations. In lower areas, gravel, sand and loam soils are found. The slopes facing the Moselle receive plenty of sunshine; in addition, the reflected warmth of the river contributes to viticulture. According to the Verbandsgemeinde, the area is among the mildest climatic zones in Germany.
Viticulture and grape varieties
Zell has around 400 hectares of vineyard area and about four million vines. Because of the steep sites, the vineyards are cultivated mostly by hand. Riesling is the predominant grape variety; in addition, Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus, Kerner, Spätburgunder and Dornfelder are grown. The Großlage Zeller Schwarze Katz lies at about Moselle kilometre 87 and comprises 16 individual vineyard sites with around 270 hectares of planted vineyard area. For the town wine, Riesling from the Zeller Schwarze Katz site is intended in the semi-dry or fine-herb styles.
Historical development
A vineyard in Merl was donated to the Lorsch monastery in 782; vineyards in Zell and Kaimt have been documented since about 940. After the end of the feudal period in 1794, the vineyards that had previously been held by the nobility, monasteries and churches were nationalised and, for the most part, auctioned off to private owners. The name Zeller Schwarze Katz is documented for the first time in connection with a wine tasting from 1863.
