Location and Classification
Försterlay is a wine-growing site in Lösnich in the Mosel wine-growing region. It lies steeply above the town and close to the Mosel. The official directory of vineyard sites lists it in the area of Bernkastel and within the Großlage Schwarzlay. As a single site, it carries the number 410927; in the 2024 register, 9.3 hectares of planted vineyard area are recorded. The VDP classifies Försterlay as VDP.GROSSE LAGE with an area of 10.34 hectares.
Relief and Soils
The wine-growing site is located at about 110 to 260 metres above sea level. Its slopes have gradients of 10 to 60 percent and face south-west. The steep, sun-exposed areas are described as having a long growing season and a gradual development of the aromas. The subsoil consists of rocky, weathered slate clay, documented as blue, or blue-grey slate.
Vines and Wine Making
The classified grape variety listed is Riesling. For the documented 2024 vintage, vines of around 45 years old and the omission of irrigation are recorded. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully selected. Documented are both spontaneous fermentation in 1,000-litre wooden foudres with about nine months on the lees, as well as, for dry Rieslings from VDP.GROSSE LAGE, at least one year of full lees ageing in used wooden barrels.
Style and History
For Försterlay, dry Rieslings are documented, including a VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS and a Qualitätswein QbA. The described style is structured, mineral, fresh and dry, with a clearly defined, comparatively cooler expression. Lösnicher Försterlay already belonged to the selection of the best wine sites in the royal Prussian Mosel classification of 1868.
