Zell on the Mosel

The Mosel valley is mostly open to the southwest and protected on the north and east. It also lies protected from the rain by the Eifel and the Hunsrück. This gives it a special climate where frosts in spring (late frosts) or in the autumn (early frosts) are very rare. In other words, it is an ideal climate for Riesling, the grape needing the longest growing season, and having the highest quality. Archaeological finds have proven that the Celtic Treverians already grew grapes for wine in this region. The actual development of Mosel wine began with a decree by the Roman Emperor Probus (278-280 AD) which allowed for its general cultivation.

A good climate is not the only thing necessary for good wine. Soil also plays a decisive role. After the widening of the Trier valley, with its colorful and steep sandstone sides, the Mosel starts cutting deeply through the Rhenish slate mountains and meandering with extreme twists and turns ("Central Mosel"). The deep Kasten valley in the central Mosel area with its blue-green Hunsrück slate is characterized by its steep bulging and gentle "slip-off" slopes making it ideal for viticulture. Between Trarbach and Tres-Karden northeast of Cochem, the valley becomes steeper and its floor narrower. This is where the lower Mosel begins with its sloped terraces, high slopes planted with grapes, thick mountain forests and the steep valleys of the small tributaries ("Terrace Mosel"). The substratum is composed of layers of quartzite, reddish argillaceous slate and graywacke. The next time you enjoy a "Zeller Schwarze Katz", an "Ürziger Würzgarten", a "Bernkasteler Doctor", a "Piesporter Goldtröpfchen" or a "Trittenheimer Apotheke", think about the fine differences between the lime and calcium rich soil of Hunsrück slate of the central Mosel and the argilliceous slate, rich in silicate and graywacke of the Terrace Mosel.