Location and landscape
The vineyard site known as the sundial in Bernkastel-Kues corresponds to the Wehlener sundial in Bernkastel-Wehlen. It lies opposite the town on the River Moselle in the Mosel region.
Topography and soil
The site, which is oriented from the south-west to south-south-west, has very steep slopes with gradients of about 60 to 100 per cent; the VDP vineyard site profile gives 65 to 70 per cent. It stretches from about 110 to over 320 metres above sea level. The soil consists of grey-blue, weathered Devonian slate with medium depth and a high proportion of rock fragments.
Climate and cultivation
A long duration of sunshine, the soil’s reflection of warmth and the proximity to the Mosel shape the microclimate. Because of the steep terrain, the vines are cultivated predominantly using traditional single-post training. More than 99 per cent of the planting is Riesling.
Name and wines
The name comes from a sundial that the Wehlener vineyard owner Jodocus Prüm had erected in 1842. The term Wehlener Sonnenuhr was introduced around 1900 for the wines of this vineyard site; previously, they were referred to using the place names Wehlener and Zeltinger. Riesling Kabinett, Spätlese and Auslese are documented. The vineyard site is designated as a Mosel single-site; the top parcel is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® and is reserved for Riesling.
