Location and classification
The Nußberg is a vineyard site in the municipality of Zell (Mosel) in the wine-growing region of Mosel. It is registered in the wine-growing sites register of Rhineland-Palatinate as the official designation for Zell (Mosel).
Topography and soils
The Zeller Nußberg lies at an altitude of about 98 to 229 metres. The slopes have a gradient of 3 to 46 percent and are predominantly oriented to the southwest. The vines grow in slate scree sites around Zell in slate with a high proportion of rock.
The proximity to the Mosel allows heat to be stored by the river; in addition, the sunlight lasts into the evening. The proportion of rock stores the day’s warmth and supports the supply of water as well as the anchoring of the vines.
Vines and cultivation
In the terraced Nußberg, own-rooted, old Riesling vines are cultivated. They bear small, loosely packed and golden-coloured grapes. Steep-slope viticulture in Zell is carried out predominantly by hand, as the use of machinery is made difficult in the steep vineyards.
Riesling is a main grape variety of the site; Weißburgunder is also documented from the Zeller Nußberg.
Wine styles and history of the name
Documented wines from the Zeller Nußberg include lightly off-dry Riesling with a strong, spicy profile, as well as dry Weißburgunder with low acidity. Rieslings from the site are also described as having a fine touch of sweetness, complexity and a pronounced aromatic structure.
The name Nußberg is historically connected with an earlier stand of walnut trees near Zell.
