📍 Mosel

Mosel is a German wine region in the valley of the Mosel, Saar and Ruwer rivers in the west of the country, in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The Mosel river flows from France through Luxembourg and joins the Rhine at Koblenz. It is one of the oldest wine regions in Germany: the Romans already grew grapes here.

The main grape is Riesling, and it made the region famous. Vineyards grow on very steep slate slopes facing the river. Slate warms up by day and gives off heat at night, and the river reflects light. The wines are light, with bright apple and peach flavours, high acidity, low alcohol and often some residual sugar. The classic categories are Kabinett, Spätlese and Auslese.

The region's districts are Burg Cochem, Bernkastel, Obermosel (Upper Mosel), Moseltor, Saar and Ruwer. In the Upper Mosel Elbling, a white grape for light wines, is also grown. One of the steepest vineyards in Europe is the Calmont.

Mosel is part of German winemaking. Mosel Rieslings are easy to recognise by their tall green bottles. Riesling with residual sugar goes well with spicy food, fish and smoked meats, while dry Rieslings suit seafood. The name Mosel on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.