WHERE GREAT RIESLING WINES GROW
The larger part of St. Urbans-Hof 's holdings are located upon steeply-sloped hills in the Mosel and Saar valleys, mostly facing these valley's rivers. Located at the 50th parallel, the Mosel is one of the world's most northerly wine regions.
This cool climate, with its marginal sunlight, force the vine to struggle to produce grapes. This struggle ensures that well-handled vines give bounty which reflects this vibrancy in the face of adversity. These conditions have been recognized through the centuries as the basis for the production of the finest Riesling grapes.
The slate-filled vineyards are situated at up to 60° exposure to the sun. The dark slate heats up faster than do other soils; the river's warmth both ameliorates temperature variations and reflects the sunshine to the leaves (their sugar factories), therefore maximizing their ability to benefit from the river.
Another peculiarity is that these river valleys are bookended by the Hunsrück and Eifel mountains whose high, cool air flows at night into the valleys to chill the grapes. This aspect contributes to acidity retention, helping to create an intense spectrum of aromas and flavors.
In autumn the reaction of the cool air upon the warmer river water creates morning fog with the resultant dew settling upon the grapes. This is an environment which encourages the spread of the mold botrytis cinerea ('noble rot' or, in German, 'edelfäule') necessary for the world's most prized sweet wines.
Ideal Foundation for Riesling
Slate soils imprint wines with character unlike
anywhere else. read more
Slate soils imprint wines with character unlike
anywhere else. read more
Artisans Working Together
To turn a philosophy of quality into reality requires
careful thought and determined planning.
read more
To turn a philosophy of quality into reality requires
careful thought and determined planning.
read more
Traditional Trellising for Perfect Mosel Wine
The steeply-sloped St. Urbans-Hof Riesling vines
are upon trellises favored for centuries in the Mosel.
read more
The steeply-sloped St. Urbans-Hof Riesling vines
are upon trellises favored for centuries in the Mosel.
read more
Making the Best from Steep Sites
For Nik Weis viticulture is a specialized
form of agriculture. read more
For Nik Weis viticulture is a specialized
form of agriculture. read more
