Location and orientation
The Wiltinger Schlangengraben is a vineyard site in Wiltingen on the Saar within the Mosel wine region. The contiguous area of around nine hectares lies on an elevation directly behind the Saarfeils vineyard site. The slope is fully oriented to the south and is bounded by a ravine.
Soil and water balance
The soil is described as Devonian slate; for the Wiltingen site, the description by Nik Weis mentions red slate. Numerous underground watercourses cross the slope and partially emerge at the foot as small springs. This means the site’s water supply is maintained even in dry years. The southern orientation provides a great deal of summer heat during the day and supports the ripening of aromatic grapes.
Vines and history
In a section cultivated by Nik Weis, there are vines documented with an age of up to 114 years; the vineyard is described as being cultivated over several generations. Parts of the Schlangengraben are cultivated by Weingut Zeimet-Conen. For the site, Riesling, Chardonnay and Dornfelder are documented. A site description dates the establishment to the early 1920s and mentions vines from this period. The Wiltingen vineyard sites, including the Schlangengraben, are also shown on a historic Mosel wine-growing map from 1906.
Wine styles and vinification
Riesling Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese and Eiswein, as well as dry and gently off-dry wines, are documented from the Wiltinger Schlangengraben. The Wiltinger wine associated with the site by Nik Weis is described as earthy-spicy, juicy and aromatic, and is classified as VDP.Ortswein. It ferments spontaneously and is matured in stainless steel; Nik Weis uses only natural yeasts for his wines.
