Location and Landscape
Schloß Saarsteiner lies north of Serrig in the Saar region of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer winegrowing area. Classified as a VDP.GROSSE LAGE®, the vineyard comprises 7.18 hectares and is oriented to the south-southeast, with a slight turn towards the west. It extends from 140 to 220 metres in altitude, with slope gradients of around 40 to 70 percent.
Topography and Soils
The western part is steeper and faces the Saar, while the eastern area is in a more sheltered, flatter hollow. The soils are heterogeneous and consist of greywacke, slate and brown earth. In the west there are reddish inclusions, in the east oil slate and strongly weathered slate. Grey slate provides the Riesling vines with a heat-storing subsoil.
Climate and Cultivation
The Saar shapes the vineyard’s microclimate and softens its pronounced acidity. The adjacent forest provides protection from cold north and east winds, while the neighbouring state forest supplies water. Cultivation is nature-friendly, without synthetic fertilisers and insecticides. Because of the steep terrain, most work is carried out by hand; accessible plots are worked with a tracked tractor.
Grape Varieties and Wines
For Schloß Saarsteiner, Riesling is specified as the classified grape variety. The wine range extends from dry Riesling Grosses Gewächs to Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese and Eiswein. Traditional Saar Rieslings are described as delicately fruity, acidity-driven, low in alcohol and naturally with residual sweetness; sweet wines are associated with autumn mists over the Saar. Selected gold cap wines mature for at least five years in the winery’s wine cellar.
