Germany
Mosel
A river that loops through a deep valley lined with some of the steepest vineyards in the world, on slate that holds the day's heat.
Climate
Cool, on the northern edge of where grapes ripen; the river and slate help.
Wines to know
- Riesling Trocken (dry)
- Kabinett (light, often off-dry)
- Spätlese
- Auslese (sweet)
Visiting
A riverside cycle path links the wine villages; half-timbered towns such as Bernkastel-Kues make easy bases. Many family estates have a tasting room in the house.
Producers
Weingut SchieferhofBernkastel-Kues · Family estate, about 6 hectaresRiesling from slate terraces so steep they are worked by hand, from dry to lusciously sweet.Weingut Lenz-AmmerTrittenheim · Small estate, about 4 hectaresA young couple who took over her grandparents' vineyards and make mostly dry Riesling.Weingut UferhausÜrzig · Family estate, about 8 hectaresRiesling from red slate and a guesthouse on the river.