Location and classification
The Zeppwingert is an officially listed single vineyard in Enkirch in the Bernkastel district of the wine-growing region Mosel. In the official vineyard directory for 2024, 9.0 hectares of planted vineyard area are recorded under plot number 410917, along with its classification within the Großlage Schwarzlay.
Steep slope and soils
The site borders the Herrenberg and, according to the municipality of Enkirch, is described as a very dry slope with gradients of up to 70 percent. A documented plot on the Starkenburger Hang has a west-south-west orientation, terracing, and a gradient of up to 51 percent. The Zeppwingert is characterised by grey slate rich in quartzite and containing iron; the dark slate stores warmth and, according to the descriptions, holds the warmth of the evening. The site lies directly above the Mosel dam, which stores heat.
Cultivation and vines
Documented plots are cultivated predominantly using the single stake system, with natural ground cover, yield limitation, pre-selection and selective hand harvesting. Cultivation is described as predominantly organic and manual. In the Zeppwingert there are also own-rooted old vines, including vine stocks aged more than 100 years, as well as further plots with vines aged about 60 to 100 years. Riesling is the predominantly documented grape variety.
Wine style and history
The municipality of Enkirch associates the Zeppwingert with fine, gently off-dry wines. Documented dry Rieslings from the site are described as featuring ripe stone fruit, slate-related mineral notes and pronounced acidity; a wine specific to the site is produced from 100 percent Riesling. A documented 2023 vintage was adapted to the vintage and was macerated with must contact as appropriate, then fermented spontaneously in stainless steel. From about 1250 onwards, the Counts of Sponheim owned vineyards in the Zeppwingert, which they had acquired from the Abbey of Corvey.
