Steep slopes, sublime Riesling
Mosel
Germany
Region Details
Climate
Cool continental, river-moderated
Soil
Blue and grey slate, quartzite
Varietals
4 key grapes
Sub-regions
4 areas
Wine styles
Key varietals
Wine Heritage
History of Mosel
"Steep slopes, sublime Riesling"
Romans planted vines here 2,000 years ago. The Mosel's quality classification system, based on grape ripeness levels (Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese), became the model for German wine law and remains the standard for Riesling worldwide.
About Mosel
The Mosel's impossibly steep slate vineyards produce some of the world's most elegant Rieslings. The river's winding path creates countless microclimates, each yielding wines of crystalline purity and remarkable aging potential.
Terroir
The Mosel's slate soils retain heat during the day and release it at night, allowing Riesling to ripen in this marginal climate. Vineyards on slopes up to 65° gradient require heroic viticulture—many can only be worked by hand.
Flavor Profile
Sub-regions
Bernkastel
Classic, mineral, age-worthy
Piesport
Elegant, peachy, refined
Saar
Steely, lean, high acidity
Ruwer
Delicate, floral, light