Location and Surroundings
Josephshöfer is a vineyard site in Graach on the Mosel in Germany. It lies between the sites of Graacher Domprobst and Wehlener Sonnenuhr. The site is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®; the grape variety specified is Riesling.
Climate and Topography
The microclimate of the site is sheltered from the wind, and the soils warm up slightly. Josephshöfer is oriented to the south-southwest and lies at an altitude of about 110 to 165 metres. The slope gradient is around 44 per cent; according to the winery, it ranges from 44 to 53 per cent.
Soil and Ownership
The soils consist of deep, grey weathered Devon slate with a high proportion of fine earth. In addition, blue and grey slate are documented, as well as good water-retention capacity. Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt describes Josephshöfer as a monopole site and is the sole owner of around five hectares; the classified area is 5.20 hectares.
History and Wine Style
The site is named after the Josephshof, a former monastery property and today’s homestead settlement, which previously was known as Merteshof. The VDP documents it as a monastery vineyard as early as around 1100. The Rieslings are described as full-bodied and spicy, with possible notes of orange blossom, mandarin peel, wild herbs and earthy spices, as well as potential for ageing. A documented Josephshöfer Grosses Gewächs from the 2016 vintage was dry and had 5.9 g/l residual sugar as well as 7.0 g/l acidity.
