Veldenzer Elisenberg

Hill of the Queen

On its northern, southern, and western sides, the Elisenberg borders the site of Veldenzer Kirchberg. On its northernmost side is Mülheimer Sonnenlay. Elisenberg has a south- to southwest-facing slope, along with a special microclimate. The soil is a little different from other Middle Mosel sites because it has slate and a high portion of quartzite, which contributes to a very special wine style.

Louise’s Vineyard

Since 1823, the Elisenberg vineyard has been in the sole possession of the Richter family. No other vineyard is as closely associated with the history of Max Ferd. Richter.

The vineyard was given to Richter’s ancestor Franz Ludwig Niessen after the end of the German Campaign of 1813—more precisely, in gratitude for the rescue of Mülheim and the County of Veldenz from being burned to the ground by Napoleon I and his troops in October 1813. In memory of the universally revered Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Queen of Prussia, who died young, Niessen called the hillside “Louise’s Vineyard (Luisens Weinberg).” Later, he also included her successor Elisabeth Ludovika of Bavaria in the naming of the hillside site—a clear sign of veneration for Elisabeth, who was married to Friedrich Wilhelm IV. From the combination of both names (Elisabeth and Luise) comes the designation Elisenberg.

The quality of the Riesling wines from Elisenberg is documented very early. Ferdinand Richter, the son-in-law of Niessen, received in 1867 an award by the Agricultural Association of Rhenish Prussia (Rhine Province) for his 1865 Elisenberger Auslese.

Royal Warrant holders of the British Royal Family

The wines from Elisenberg are marked by aromas of red and black berry fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries, and currants. Along with the complex acid structure, it gives very animated, long-lasting wines.

Already at the end of the 19th century, the wines from Elisenberg were highly acclaimed. Elisenberger wines were mentioned in the same breath with other top Mosel and Saar wines, like Brauneberger, Piesporter, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, or Scharzhofberger.

To this day, Max Ferd. Richter has the great honour to supply the British Royal Family with wines from the Elisenberg.