Location and landscape
The Mosel wine-growing region follows the Moselle from Perl to Koblenz and also includes vineyards on the side rivers Saar and Ruwer. It is one of Germany’s 13 quality wine-growing regions. The vineyards are located in river valleys and on steep slopes between the Hunsrück and the Eifel.
Steep slopes and soils
Extensive steep-slope and terraced vineyards shape the region; slopes of more than 30 per cent are considered steep slopes. The Calmont situated between Bremm and Ediger-Eller reaches gradients of about 60 to 68 degrees. In many steep-slope vineyards, Devonian slate is characteristic. In addition, greywacke, clay slate, sandy and gravelly valley soils, as well as shell limestone, occur on the Upper Moselle.
Climate and grape varieties
Protected river valleys provide a warm growing climate. The Moselle stores the sun’s warmth and releases it again after sunset. Riesling is the leading grape variety; other important varieties include Müller-Thurgau, Elbling, Weißburgunder and Spätburgunder. Elbling is particularly associated with the Upper Moselle and is used for dry and sparkling wines.
Wines and winegrowing
The Moselle produces dry, delicately bittersweet, fruity and noble-sweet wines, as well as quality sparkling wines and Perl wines. Rieslings are described as fine-fruited, mineral, elegant and comparatively moderately alcoholic wines. In the steepest and terraced sites, tending and picking are usually carried out by hand. Dry-stone walls support the terraces. Large-scale viticulture along the Moselle was introduced by Roman settlers; archaeological finds include Roman press installations.
