Location and classification
Sonnenlay is an officially registered single vineyard site in the Wolfs district of Traben-Trarbach on the Mosel. In the legally recognised classification of vineyard sites, it belongs to Mosel–Bernkastel–Schwarzlay–Sonnenlay and carries the wine-growing site number 410942.
Topography, climate and soils
The site lies in a very steep side valley of the Mosel and is described as a south-facing steep slope in a side valley near Wolf. Owing to its location on a peninsula and the absence of a nearby side valley that drains cold air, Wolf has one of the mildest climates on the Mosel. The subsoil is characterised by grey, finely weathered slate and Devon blue slate.
Vines and wines
In the 2024 harvest area register, Sonnenlay in the cadastral district of Wolf is listed as having 2.4 hectares of vineyards. For the site, Riesling is documented. A cultivation project preserves on 2,100 square metres own-rooted vines that were converted to organic viticulture after the parcel was taken over. Traditional single post training is also maintained there.
Documented Riesling Kabinett wines from Wolfer Sonnenlay are described as fruit-forward, with residual sweetness and moderate alcohol content. They are associated with earthy notes and slate-related notes, lively acidity and a light body.
History and vinification
Historical research places Wolfer Sonnenlay around 1,500 metres from a Roman country estate. Viticulture in Wolf is documented for Roman times and again from the late 12th century onwards.
For a documented Wolfer Sonnenlay Riesling, the must was stored partly in stainless steel and partly in traditional Fuder casks, fermented spontaneously and without fining agents, moved to a cooler cellar area to interrupt fermentation, and bottled in April.
