Saar Wine

Terroir Riesling

The vineyards of the Saar are located not only in the immediate vicinity of the river but also often on the south-facing slopes of the side valleys, such as the Oberemmeler Hütte, a high-lying vineyard in the same side valley as the renowned Scharzhofberg. Although these sites don’t enjoy the micro-climatic warmth of the water, their southern exposure allows for an optimal slow ripening of the grapes.

The soil types of the Saar are dominated by Devonian slate, mostly gray, with varying degrees of weathering. There is also so-called graywacke or hard gray quartzite-bearing sandstone, as well as sites with more fine soil. One also finds brown earth and soils with red-colored sections. Like the Ruwer, the Saar Valley is located slightly higher than the Middle Mosel and Lower Mosel. The vines have a very long ripening period here. Despite the direct proximity to the imposing vineyards of the Mosel, Saar Riesling has a remarkable independence.

Glitz and Glory

Due to the cooler weather, Saar Rieslings typically have a certain sharpness and a little more acidity, which gives them brightness and power in top vintages.

But the wines of the Saar should not be considered to be of lower quality than those of the Middle Mosel. Perhaps the opposite is true in terms of potential. The delicate mineral and acid character of the Riesling wines are similar in their quality with Mosel, but the top wines of the Saar are unique and untouchable.

Tradition and Innovation

Historically, the Saar was dominated by larger producers than in the Mosel region.

Weingut von Othegraven and Weingut von von Hövel are just two examples of established estates that have cultivated vines in this cool border region at a high level. For some years now, small winegrowers, such as Weingut Peter Lauer and Hofgut Falkenstein, are getting more attention for their Saar Rieslings bursting with energy.

The Style of Saar Wines

The highly ripe tropical fruit notes of Mosel wines is alien to Saar wines. Saar Riesling typically has aromas of citrus fruits, such as orange blossom, lemon zest, and bergamot. Even ginger flavours are not atypical. All aromas are paired with mineral notes of salt, wet stone, and smoke.

The pronounced acidity gives the wines a cool impression with crystalline freshness. Even after decades in the bottle, Saar Rieslings surprise with an incredible fruit-and-acid interplay and brilliance. Their presence and charisma are unrivalled worldwide.