Location and Geology
The Braune Kupp is a vineyard site in Wiltingen in the Saar district of the German wine-growing region Mosel. As a VDP.GROSSE LAGE® it is classified with Riesling. The site, which is oriented to the south, lies at around 145 to 260 metres above sea level and has slope gradients of 10 to 75 per cent. The exposed bedrock is Devonian slate. The iron-rich slate is considered the origin of the name Braune Kupp.
Climate and Farming
The Braune Kupp is described as one of the warmest sites on the Saar. The south-facing slopes support the ripening of the grapes; the site’s proximity to the river normally provides frost protection. On 23 April 2024, however, the vineyard suffered severe frost damage. The classified area comprises 4.13 hectares.
In the vineyards, old vines are farmed, including partly own-rooted vines dating from the 19th century. Yields are usually about 30 hectolitres per hectare and do not exceed 60 hectolitres per hectare. Farming includes intensive ploughing, the omission of chemical fertilisers, herbicides and insecticides, as well as the minimal use of fungicides.
Wines
From the Braune Kupp, Riesling Kabinett, Spätlese and Auslese are documented as site-specific wines. In addition, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese and Eiswein are produced from the vineyards. Spätlesen from the Wiltingen Braune Kupp are described as full-bodied, savoury and exotic.
For the site-specific wines, Egon Müller separates ripe and overripe grapes and assigns them to the categories Kabinett and Spätlese. For the Spätlese, harvesting is selective, with daily sorting. The vineyards are not treated to prevent botrytis; suitable botrytis may develop into noble rot for selected wines.
Historical Reference
In 1954, Egon Müller III acquired half of the 2.5-hectare Le-Gallais vineyards in the Wiltingen sites Kupp and Braune Kupp and leased the other half.
