MW-Mosel-Weinberg AG in the heart of Europe concentrates solely on the cultivation of the Riesling vine.
The origin of Riesling is not certain. It is commonly assumed that this variety evolved from a wild vine of the Rhineland, the Vitis Vinifera Silvestris. All other assumptions are at variance. Some assume anyway that Riesling was already being cultivated 2000 years ago by the Romans. Others have the view that it its gene centre had its origin on the upper Rhine.
The name can be traced either to “Rußling” (referring to dark wood), a documented reference from the year 1402 in Worms, or to “Rißling” (referring to the zestful, brisk tartness) from planting documents in 1435 in Rüßelsheim/Main and in 1511 in Pfeddersheim.
Its leaf is medium sized, blunt edged, five lobed, usually with a bare upper surface and a coarse, woolly underside. The grapes are of medium size, densely berried, compact with small, round, yellow-golden berries with black flecks when ripened. The berries are also marbled with a greenish hue, often a russet brown, and have a very aromatic, tangy flesh. Its wood is light brown with dark flecks, displaying gentle rills, sturdy maturity and strong growth. Its maturity occurs late, so that full advantage of can be taken of the sunny autumnal days.
The Riesling vine is without doubt the preeminent vine under cultivation in the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer area. This goes back to a decree dated 1787 by the last Prince of Trier, Clemence Wenceslaus of Saxony, a direct antecedent of our Honorary Member of the Board of Directors and partner of the subsidiary Markgraf von Meißen GmbH, his Royal Highness Dr. Prince Albert von Sachsen, Duke of Saxony. At that time the Archbishop and Prince decreed that in his domain only Riesling should be cultivated in order to ensure the improvement in quality of local viticulture. That led conclusively to the result that the Moselle represents the largest contiguous area of Riesling viticulture in the world.
The Riesling grape is deemed to be the noblest among the white wines; it is also a vine that is highly exacting as regards its ideal location, the ideal cultivation requirement of which is uniquely met by the suitability of the steep shale slopes of the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer.
A glance at the Moselle valley shows that only the southerly inclined vineyard areas at an inclination of over 30% and an elevation of up to about 200 metres above sea level afford the best conditions in which the noble vine can thrive.
The shale stores the warmth from the sun during the day and transfers it to the vines during the night, and thus assures the mild climate in the vineyards. Moreover the weathered shale soil makes for a high concentration of nutrients and minerals which promote the harmonious taste of the grape, and stimulation to the vines.
The hallmark of Riesling is fine breeding and elegance, its sovereign, peachy bouquet. The splendour of Riesling does not lie in its alcohol content, but in its fine, animated and fruity character. These attributes are produced by late maturation and late harvest. In good years a broad spectrum of finest high quality Riesling is yielded, which belongs among the world’s very best.
Rieslings inspire because of their lightness. They are rich in trace elements and minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium. With these they provide an important contribution to our bodily vitamin B requirements. Riesling – when taken in moderation – thus has a favourable influence on blood pressure, heart and circulation.
Rieslings of a mature and healthy vintage impress with a discreet flavour, whereby their fine peach and nutmeg note is unmistakable. In its restrained natural fruity sweetness there is hardly any wine to be found that is as consummate as a Riesling. Correspondingly, it can accompany you in a variety of ways. It is a seasoned jaunty summer drink, just as it is equally an accompaniment to a meal, in its dry, late vintage. A sweet or dry vintage serves to crown any meaty dish with its full flavours.
Fig. Riesling leaf
Fig. Riesling grape cluster on vine
MW-Mosel-Weinberg Aktiengesellschaft
Gilbert Strasse 34, 54290 Trier
Telefon: (049) 651 – 975 29-16, Telefax: (049) 651 – 975 29 20, Email: info@smw-trier.de