Dan the Wine Man
  • Wine Reviews
  • Wine Country
  • Learning
  • Trends
  • Research
  • Videos
  • About
Dan the Wine Man

Let's explore deeper into the world of wine and winemaking.

  • Wine Reviews
  • Wine Country
  • Learning
  • Trends
  • Research
  • Videos
  • About
LearningMosel ValleyWine Country

Welcome to the Mosel Valley

by Dan Ma 06/10/2021
written by Dan Ma 06/10/2021

About two hours north-west of Frankfurt lies arguably Germany’s most picturesque wine region along the Mosel river, lined with postcard-perfect villages and famous rows of vines clinging precariously on its steep banks.

The Mosel river meanders through the town of Bremm, with the vineyard Bremmer Calmont here one of the steepest in the world, with a 60% gradient.
The Mosel river meanders through the town of Bremm, with the vineyard Bremmer Calmont here one of the steepest in the world, with a 60% gradient.

Vineyards have been planted here since Roman times having founded the town of Trier. Today, Riesling is by far the most planted variety here on the best sites, but Elbling, Müller-Thurgau and Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) are also dotted around.

Riesling is the flagship variety grown here on the Mosel, often on the best sites. However, Elbling, Müller-Thurgau and Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) are also grown.

Winding about 120 miles from Trier to Koblenz where it meets the Rhine, visitors are struck by the crazy-steep (up to 65 degrees!) vineyards, leaving them in awe how they are tended to. The valley forms a macro-climate with the mountains on each side sheltering it from the elements and the river helps regulate temperature.

Vines cling precariously on the 70% slopes here at Winniger Uhlen.
Vines cling precariously on the 70% slopes here at Winniger Uhlen. Note the “Monorackbahnen” used throughout the Mosel weaving through the vineyards to bring down crates of hand-picked grapes at harvest hand-picked crates.

Equally fascinating are the soils which vary along the Mosel, with blue/grey and red volcanic slate, which provide good drainage and retain heat – well suited to a region with a good amount of rainfall. This also provides good resistance to phylloxera – and many vines are on their own rootstocks. The red slate is said to impart spiciness, and blue slate presenting fruity and mineral characters.

Unsurprisingly, these are the most labour-intensive vineyards, with up to seven times the man-hours required to tend than other regions, with “Monorackbahnen”, cogged monorails, weaving through them to ferry crates of hand-picked grapes down.

Some of the best vineyards have Hollywood-style signage proudly displayed which can be clearly visible from the river and passers-by.

The best “Grand Cru” vineyards face south-west to catch most of the sun, including light reflected from the river itself. These have rockstar-like status with names boldly emblazoned in Hollywood-style signage. Keep an eye out for the most famous vineyards proudly named on bottles, like Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Graacher Himmelreich, Ürziger Würzgarten, Scharzofberger, and Erdener Prälat to name but a few.

MoselRieslingvineyard
0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmail
Dan Ma

A British/Australian who loves wine and wandering, delving deeper into how wine is made and the people who enjoy it. MSc in Oenology and Viticulture and WSET 3 certified, focusing in consumer insight, sensory and sparkling wine production.

previous post
Ballandean Estate – 2019 Sylvaner – Granite Belt, Queensland

You may also like

Billionaire’s Row behind Vosne-Romanée

29/04/2021

Exciting new English Sparkling Wine project

12/02/2021

Disgorging: How Traditional Method sparkling wine is bottled

01/02/2020

Boireann Winery and *THAT* 2016 Shiraz Viognier

29/12/2019

Tobin 2018 Elliot Reserve Merlot – Granite Belt,...

29/12/2019

Vin d’Alsace

19/12/2019

Banca Ridge Grüner Veltliner 2019 – Granite Belt,...

19/12/2019

The Granite Belt: Tobin Wines

18/12/2019

Why are roses planted on the end of...

15/11/2019

How Champagne barrels are made

21/09/2019

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

About Me

About Me

Dan Ma

A British/Australian who loves wine and wandering, delving deeper into how wine is made and the people who enjoy it.

 

More about Dan

Follow me the latest

Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

Recent Posts

  • Welcome to the Mosel Valley

    06/10/2021
  • Ballandean Estate – 2019 Sylvaner – Granite Belt, Queensland

    02/07/2021
  • Ravens Croft 2018 – The Waagee – Granite Belt, Queensland

    01/07/2021
  • Golden Grove Estate – 2021 Vermentino – Granite Belt, Queensland

    01/07/2021
  • Billionaire’s Row behind Vosne-Romanée

    29/04/2021

Categories

  • Burgundy
  • Featured
  • Granite Belt
  • Learning
  • Mosel Valley
  • Trends
  • Videos
  • Wine Country
  • Wine Reviews

@Dan.the.wine.man

No any image found. Please check it again or try with another instagram account.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

Unless stated, all content and photography © 2020 Daniel Ma - Dan The Wine Man


Back To Top