The Mosel wine-growing region is divided into six sub-regions: the Mosel Gate, Upper Mosel, Saar, Ruwer Valley, Bernkastel and Burg Cochem. Some 3400 hectares of vines, from a total, of 8655 hectares, are situated on steep slopes and terraces where viticulture is only possible by hand. Mosel is the largest steep-slope wine region in the world, and its wine history dates back 2000 years when the Romans started planting vines on the southern slopes of river valleys.
It is one of Germany's hottest regions, and the primitive clay layers that characterise Mosel's soils are the foundation for the minerality.
The sub-regions of Mosel
Burg Cochem
Situated in the Lower Mosel, this sub-region is also called the Terrace of Mosel. Here, the slopes are so steep that often the vines are planted on narrow terraces protected by dry stone walls. With a warm microclimate favourable to the Riesling grape variety, it produces wines with more body and fruitier than in other parts of Mosel.The steepest vineyard in the world is in this sub-region between the wine towns of Bremm and Ediger-Eller. It is the famous Calmont vineyard with a slope of up to 68 degrees.
Bernkastel
Situated in the Middle Mosel, between Trier and Briedel, this is the largest area of cultivated vineyards (about 65% of the vineyards). With many hours of sunshine thanks to its protected location, it has very favourable conditions for viticulture. Here, the vines grow on the steep slopes of blue, grey and red slate and in valleys with gravel, sand and clay floors deposited over millennia by the Mosel River. The exception occurs in Rotliegend, where the soil is red volcanic rock.
Ruwer Valley
Ruwer's landscape alternates between steep vineyards, forest and meadows. The vineyards on Devonian rock soil have the highest proportion of Riesling grapes in the entire region (88%). The Riesling wines produced on the steepest slopes of Ruwer are delicate and have a high minerality. Ruwer's wines have aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries and raspberries, sometimes with herbaceous notes. The Riesling from the higher slopes is known for its high minerality and delicacy.
Saar
The Saar vineyards, mainly on Devonian slate soils, are situated between Serrig and Konz. One of the places where the world's most famous Riesling is produced, the Scharzhofberg, is in Saar. Riesling from Saar is renowned for its finesse and minerality. They have light fruity aromas like apple and citrus fruit with floral and herbal notes. In particular, these wines have great longevity and can be stored for decades.
Mosel Gate and Upper Mosel
In terms of landscape, these two sub-regions, which form a triangle bordering Luxemburg and France, from the Southern Weinmosel, but in terms of wine legislation, are divided into two zones: Ports of Mosel (Moseltor) with 126 hectares of vineyards and Upper Mosel (Obermosel) with 750 hectares. In this area, the valley is wide and the slopes less steep. The soil is rocky, formed from limestone deposits from a primitive ocean. Unlike the other sub-regions, where Riesling dominates, rarely found here. The main grape variety is an ancient variety, Elbling.
Grape varieties
White grape varieties represent 91% of the planted vines, and Riesling is the queen grape variety with 62% representation. With varying degrees of sweetness, Riesling is a wine of pronounced elegance. Their aromas and flavours recall lime, green apple, beeswax and jasmine. In terms of matching, they are very versatile. Dry, medium-dry and semi-sweet Riesling pair well with spicy dishes from Asian and Indian cuisine as dishes with intense sauces of duck, pork, bacon, shrimp and crab and charcuterie dishes. Sweet, noble wines, called ice wines, are perfect for cheeses and desserts or simply as a solo.