Location and Topography
The Karthäuserhofberg is located in Eitelsbach, a district of Trier, in the Ruwer Valley near where the Ruwer flows into the Mosel. The vineyard extends along a side valley of the Ruwer shortly before it reaches the Mosel. The convex hillside facing south to south-southwest has a gradient of around 55 percent and sits at an elevation of 254 metres above sea level. Forests to the east and above the hill ridge protect the vines.
Climate and Soils
The site is characterised by a cool microclimate and cool nights, while the steep slope is at the same time exposed to strong sunlight. The soils consist of weathered Devonian slate, which the producer describes as Devonian clay slate.
Cultivation and Wines
The Karthäuserhofberg is a monopoly owned by the Karthäuserhof winery. According to the VDP, the classified area comprises 18 hectares, while the entire vineyard is about 20 hectares. Riesling is grown. The grapes are hand-harvested and selected; yields are low, and the vineyards are farmed according to biodynamic principles.
Riesling Kabinett, Riesling Spätlese and dry Riesling from the Karthäuserhofberg are documented as VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS®. The dry Riesling is described as white wine with mineral depth, aromas of ripe apple and pear, pronounced mineral character, harmonious acidity and ageing potential. The wines are made in a purist style following hand harvest and grape selection.
History and Classification
The Karthäuserhofberg is linked to Carthusian monks who, in 1335, received land in Eitelsbach from the Elector Baldwin of Luxembourg and set up a vineyard there. In 1868, the site was classified in the best category of the vineyard classification system for the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer. Today it is listed as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer growing region.
