Moullay-Hofberg

The Moullay-Hofberg is a wine-growing site in Reil in the Bernkastel area of the Mosel in Germany. In the 2024 Rheinland-Pfalz wine sites directory, it is listed as a single site under number 411112 in the municipality and cadastral district of Reil within the larger site Vom heißen Stein. The planted vineyard area amounts to 31.9 hectares.

The site rises over almost a kilometre directly above the Mosel and includes steep slate outcrops, terraces facing south, as well as numerous rock and terrace areas at different elevations. Individual terraces are planted with about 30 vines. The poor soils consist of finely weathered grey and red slate. Documented sub-areas show blue slate with quartz and humus, blue slate with a high proportion of quartz, and sandy, gravel-containing soils.

The Mosel valley microclimate of the site is described as being sheltered from wind. Exposed slate absorbs solar heat and releases it again in the evening and at night. In parts, traditional cultivation takes place without access for vehicles: vine working and the transport of grapes are carried out on foot along paths and slate stone steps. The terrace walls are built by hand, and the vine working is carried out manually.

Riesling has been documented from the Moullay-Hofberg. Descriptions of wines from the site mention pronounced aromatics, a rich extract, complex aromas and fresh citrus notes; sub-areas are also associated with mineral, complex, slender, saline or finely spiced floral wines with a distinctive acidity. The site is first evidenced in 1143 in a grant document concerning the Molun estate on the southern slope and the adjoining vineyards, which were transferred to the Springiersbach monastery. For a 2023 Moullay-Hofberg Riesling by Melsheimer, grapes from terraced parcels with vines up to 80 years old were hand-harvested, fermented and matured for 18 months in the foudre (Fuder). The corresponding holdings of Melsheimer are farmed biodynamically and are certified to Demeter and ECOVIN.