Location and Surroundings
The Altenberg is the Kanzemer Altenberg on the Saar. The vineyard site runs along the river and lies opposite Kanzem on the right bank of the Saar, where it overlooks a bend in the river. Kanzem belongs to the wine region Mosel.
Climate and Relief
The south-southeast-facing exposure provides high levels of sunshine. Summer warmth rises from the Saar valley, while the forested ridge protects the slopes from winds from the north and west. The Saar also has a temperature-balancing effect. The site lies at around 250 metres above sea level and has a very steep gradient of approximately 55 to 89 per cent.
Soil and Grape Variety
The soils consist mainly of green-grey Devonian slate and weathered Rotliegend material. The area classified by the VDP covers 14.43 hectares. Riesling is the classified and predominant grape variety.
Classification and Wines
The Altenberg, Kanzem, is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®. This is a private VDP classification and not a statutory designation under German wine law. Documented wines from the Altenberg include dry Riesling as well as Kabinett, Spätlese and Auslese. For a wine designated as Altenberg, Kanzem, the Othegraven winery documents spontaneous fermentation in a stainless-steel tank. A bridge completed in 1929 enabled the winegrowers from Kanzem to gain access to the steep site on the opposite bank of the Saar.
