Location and classification
The Klosterberg is an officially designated single vineyard in Zell (Mosel), in the cadastral district of Merl. The site falls within the Burg Cochem area and the Großlage Schwarze Katz in the wine-growing region Mosel. In the official register of vineyard sites, it is listed under site number 440413 with 12.9 hectares of planted vineyard area.
Soils and sub-sections
The descriptions distinguish in the Merler Klosterberg between a gently rising area and a steep slope in a side valley of the Mosel. The steep slope is oriented south-west and lies in a hollow that is partly enclosed by houses. Medium-depth, slate-weathering soils and a mild microclimate are described there, with distinct summer heat storage.
The soils of the Klosterberg are considered to be slate-weathered. For the gently rising area, more clay-rich, moister and cooler soils are mentioned, while on the steep slope slate weathering with medium soil depth predominates. In the parcels of a local producer, mostly grey weathered slate and quartzite components are also described.
Grape varieties and wine style
In the Merler Klosterberg, Kerner, Bacchus and Müller-Thurgau are documented. These varieties are associated with the deeper, finer soils of the site. In a separate, steep, south-west facing area, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were planted in 2011.
Riesling is also evidenced by local producers, including a classic off-dry Riesling and a domaine Riesling from the east-facing part of the site. One producer describes the Merler-Klosterberg Riesling as medium-bodied, fruity, with moderately pronounced acidity and mineral.
Cultivation and winemaking
Richard Scheid provides for his vineyard areas, which include parcels in the Klosterberg, certified organic cultivation. For a Riesling from the 2018 vintage from the east-facing part, no cold maceration before fermentation, a racking-off, an unfiltered bottling, and the addition of sulphur of 30 mg/l are documented.
