Location and Classification
Steffensberg is an officially recognised single vineyard site in the municipality and in the winegrowing region Enkirch within the wine-growing area Mosel. In the official vineyard register, the site is assigned to the area of Bernkastel and the Großlage Schwarzlay. For the 2024 harvest, 27.6 hectares were under vine.
Topography and Soils
The steep site, facing south, lies directly behind the built-up area of Enkirch. The slopes reach up to 38 percent gradient. Documented are iron-rich red and grey slate as well as deep soils with good water supply.
Grape Varieties and Style
Riesling is one of the defining grape varieties of Steffensberg. For a plot, a full Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) planting is also documented. Steffensberg Rieslings are described as filigree and fine-fruited; a winery-specific description characterises them as powerful and elegant.
History
The historical field-name collection Eschewingert in Steffensberg is linked to a donation of land around 908. From 1074 onwards, the Ravengiersburg monastery held predominantly areas there, while the Counts of Sponheim held vineyards in Steffensberg from about 1250. In the Prussian classification of vineyard sites from 1868, the site belonged to the highest class.
Cultivation and Vinification
For a documented Spätburgunder plot, sustainable, minimalist cultivation, natural cover cropping and a selective hand harvest of fully ripe, healthy grapes are specified. In the cellar, destemming, a second selection, spontaneous fermentation and 15 months of ageing in French barriques followed.
