Discover Mosel in six wines

Discover Mosel in six wines

by Westgarth Wines September 05, 2024

The Mosel Valley, with its steep, slate-covered slopes and winding river, is renowned for its delicate, expressive Rieslings. The region's cool climate, combined with its unique terroir, produces wines of exceptional clarity, vibrant acidity, and profound aging potential. Join us as we explore six extraordinary wines that showcase the very best of Mosel.

Fast facts

Name: The Mosel Valley takes its name from the Mosel River, which winds through Germany, Luxembourg, and France. In the world of wine, "Mosel" refers to the German stretch, where some of the finest Rieslings are crafted.

Location: The Mosel region is found in western Germany. It includes the valleys of the rivers Mosel, Saar, and Ruwer, stretching from Koblenz to Trier, with the best vineyards located on steep slopes directly along the river.

Climate and Soil: The region's cool climate is ideal for Riesling, promoting slow ripening and preserving acidity. The slate soils retain heat and provide excellent drainage, contributing to the wines' distinct minerality and finesse.

Grapes: Riesling reigns supreme in Mosel, celebrated for its ability to express the nuances of the region's varied terroirs, but other varietals such as Müller-Thurgau and Elbling can also be found there.

Mosel's Rieslings are known for their intense yet elegant minerality and their balance between sweetness and acidity. Below, are six wines that exemplify the region's unique charm.

Indulge in the wines:

Joh. Jos. Prüm is a prestigious name in the Mosel Valley. The Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard, with its sun-drenched slopes and blue slate soils, produces some of the finest Rieslings in the world. This Auslese Goldkapsel offers a captivating bouquet of ripe apricots, honey, and delicate floral notes. The palate is rich yet refined, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, leading to a long, mineral-laden finish. It's a wine that epitomizes the elegance and longevity of Mosel Riesling.

Egon Müller is legendary in the world of Riesling, and the Scharzhofberger vineyard is his crown jewel. The Scharzhofberger Riesling Spätlese showcases the vineyard's exceptional terroir with its expressive aromas of peach, citrus, and wet slate. On the palate, it is both lush and lively, with a racy acidity that perfectly balances the natural sweetness. The wine's purity and precision are hallmarks of Müller's meticulous winemaking, making it a true masterpiece from Mosel.

Dr Thanisch is one of Mosel's historic estates, and the Berncasteler Doctor vineyard is among its most famous. This Riesling Auslese is a wine of depth and complexity, offering layers of ripe apple, honeycomb, and subtle spice. The palate is rich and concentrated, with a beautiful interplay of sweetness and acidity. The wine's signature minerality and long, elegant finish make it a classic expression of Mosel's terroir.

Fritz Haag is revered for producing Rieslings of purity and precision. The Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr vineyard, with its steep, south-facing slopes, is a prime site for producing botrytized wines.

This Beerenauslese is a treasure trove of aromas, including dried apricot, orange peel, and a touch of honeyed spice. The palate is luscious and opulent, with a vibrant spine of acidity that adds freshness and balance. This is a wine that will age gracefully for decades, revealing new layers of complexity over time.

Markus Molitor is a maverick winemaker known for his uncompromising quality and attention to detail. The Erdener Prälat vineyard, with its warm microclimate and red slate soils, produces wines of incredible intensity.

The Auslese 3* White Capsule is a powerhouse, offering a complex bouquet of tropical fruit, citrus, and smoky minerality. The palate is dense and layered, with a remarkable depth of flavor and a crystalline acidity that ensures a stunningly long finish. It's a wine that exemplifies Molitor's philosophy of crafting Rieslings with both power and finesse.

Weingut Keller is renowned for Rieslings that combine elegance with intensity, and the Piesporter Schubertslay Alte Reben Kabinett is a shining example. Sourced from old vines planted on steep, slate-laden slopes, this Kabinett offers delicate aromas of green apple, lime, and white flowers. The palate is light and refreshing, with a lively acidity that dances on the tongue. Despite its lightness, the wine has an incredible depth and persistence, making it a quintessential Mosel Riesling.







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