Location and landscape
The Elzhofberg is located in the municipality of Ediger-Eller on the Mosel-side Eifel slope, downstream from Ediger. The vineyard site covers 7.7 hectares and is formed as a terraced steep slope with a gradient of more than 60 percent, facing south-south-west.
Soil and water supply
The deep, highly weathered soil consists predominantly of clayey slate. For this section of the Mosel, an unusually reddish soil colour is characteristic, caused by fine, reddish layers of rock. Small springs on the slope indicate a good supply of groundwater within the site.
Cultivation and vines
Steep-slope viticulture is labour-intensive and is carried out mostly by hand. To make access and transport easier, cable railways were built. The dry-stone wall system has been restored, abandoned terraces have been reinstated and planted with Riesling. Riesling is the most important documented grape variety; a single parcel was planted with Spätburgunder in 1990.
History and wines
The Elzhofberg was already listed on the Mosel wine map of 1897 among the best vineyard sites on the Mosel. After the site was threatened with abandonment due to difficult access and the high manual workload, the vineyard site was rehabilitated. Documented wines include dry and delicately off-dry Rieslings as well as sweet Rieslings up to Trockenbeerenauslese. In addition, a dry Spätburgunder is documented as a red wine.
