Location and Orientation
Treppchen is a vineyard site on the Mosel opposite Erden. The officially registered single vineyard is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® and covers 42 hectares. Its south to south-westerly orientation lies at around 110 to 260 metres above sea level, with a slope gradient of 50 to 80 per cent.
Climate and Terrain
The steep slopes in Erden and Ürzig receive full southerly exposure. Annual rainfall is generally below 700 millimetres. The flow of cold air from the Eifel is largely blocked, resulting in relatively mild autumn and winter conditions. Rock formations, walls and stone steps divide the site into small plots; ladders and a monorack railway support work on the steep slope.
Soil and Vines
The subsoil consists of red Devonian slate with a high proportion of rock; blue slate is also documented. The slate, formed from Devonian marine deposits, contains a considerable proportion of clay. The thin layer of soil is characterised by slate fragments that are often visible between the vines. Riesling is cultivated in single post training, while vineyard walls store warmth.
Name and Wines
The name Treppchen refers to historic stone steps that made access to the steep slopes possible. During land consolidation work, a Roman wine-press house from the middle of the third century and, in 1998, a second wine-press facility about 100 years older were discovered. Rieslings are documented as Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese and Beerenauslese.
