Location and landscape
The Trittenheim Apotheke is a named vineyard site in Trittenheim on the Mosel. Its most important prime site lies on the right bank of the river opposite the town. The site extends over parts of the narrow Mosel meander and includes areas both within and outside the river bend.
Slope, climate and soils
The slopes, which face south-west, receive sun until the evening. The slate stores the warmth of the day and releases it again at night. The steep sites have gradients of around 50 to 70 percent; some descriptions mention sections with up to about 70 degrees. The elevation ranges from approximately 110 to 240 metres above sea level.
The soil consists of grey-blue to dark blue-grey weathered slate material. It is comparatively shallow, stony and well drained; grey and blue slate are also mentioned for the site.
Grape variety and wine style
Riesling is the documented main grape variety of the Trittenheim Apotheke. The wines are associated with firm structure, pronounced acidity, a mineral character, delicate fruit and ageing potential. Dry and fruity late harvests and select wines (Auslesen) are documented, as well as beerenauslesen.
Name and history
The name Apotheke has traditionally been linked to former church property, probably an abbey, an abbots’ hill, or an abbey hill, and not to medicinal properties of the wine. In the steep vineyard slopes of Trittenheim, Roman stone sarcophagi from about the fourth century were discovered. In the section known as Trittenheimer Fährfels, historic terraced areas with dry-stone walls and old vines are documented.
