Location and Orientation
Prälat is a vineyard site in Erden in the wine-growing region of Mosel, in the Bernkastel area. The site lies opposite the village of Erden on the Mosel. The vineyard is fully oriented to the south and has a slope of about 65 degrees, or 210 percent. The areas under vine are between 110 and 220 metres above sea level.
Soil and Microclimate
The soil consists of iron-rich red slate with a loam component; between the vines, red rock is exposed. Small parcels run along a steep, rocky and rugged hillside. The Mosel meander and the surrounding vineyards protect the site, while the south-facing orientation ensures intensive sunshine. Massive rocks store additional warmth.
History
Prälat was originally part of the Treppchen vineyard site and was separated off as an independent site at the end of the 19th century. The name recalls Prälat Professor Dr. Franz Steffens, the son of a winegrower from Ürzig, who lived from 1853 to 1930. A restored Roman wine-press facility at the foot of the slopes of Prälat and Treppchen shows that grapes were processed in the immediate vineyard area already in Roman times.
Classification and Wines
Prälat in Erden is classified by the VDP as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®. This classification is based on private VDP regulations and is not laid down in German wine law. For the classified area of 1.63 hectares, Riesling is identified as the grape variety. The VDP regulations provide for wines of this classification to have at most 50 hectolitres of yield per hectare and for selective hand harvesting. For the wine style, traditional noble-sweet wines from Erdener Prälat are mentioned, as well as a dry Riesling produced since 1999.
