Location and Classification
Hubertuslay is a registered single vineyard in Kinheim in the winegrowing region Mosel. The site extends to the west of Kinheim towards Ürzig and Erdener Treppchen. It belongs to the Großlage Schwarzlay and to the area of Bernkastel. The vineyard directory lists it under number 410924 with 34.9 hectares of planted vineyard area.
Topography and Soils
The steep site is predominantly oriented to the south to south-west. The documented slope gradients are roughly between 15 and 35 percent. Soils are mainly composed of grey, in places also grey or blue slate weathering material. Orientation and slate are associated with heat storage and favourable ripening conditions; the comparatively moderate slope gradient is considered beneficial in particularly dry years.
Vines and Winemaking
In Hubertuslay, Riesling is planted, including old vineyard parcels dating from 1979. In addition, Sauvignon Blanc and Spätburgunder are documented. The wines are described as having a mineral character, pronounced fruit, fine-fruit aromas and lively acidity. A documented stand of Riesling parcels is farmed as a traditional single-post vineyard. Because of the steep site, the restoration and upkeep require extensive manual work. For wines from the Kinheimer Hubertuslay, Riesling is selectively harvested and fermented spontaneously, while the Hubertuslay Spätburgunder matures for 15 months in wooden casks.
Name and History
The name Hubertuslay is traced back to the saint Hubertus of Liège. The municipal history of Kinheim documents viticulture dating from Roman times on the steep slate slopes, which are known today as Rosenberg and Hubertuslay.
