Weingut Johann Peter Mertes Saar Valley, Germany

Twenty miles from the Mosel River, some of the finest vineyards in Germany cling precariously to the slate slopes of the Saar River Valley. Since 1891 five generations of the Mertes family has cultivated vines here in Kanzem, as well as in Wawern, Saarburg and Ockfen. The soils of the Saar are not particularly different from those of the Mosel or Ruwer in their composition. Mostly slate, but less uniform than the Mosel, they have less heat retention capabilities. The Saar is a small river and the vineyards adjacent to it are planted above its tributaries, therefore there is less of a temperature moderating effect than there is for Mosel vineyards. As well, the Saar Valley is at higher elevation and cooler than the Mosel. These characteristics combine to produce sometimes difficult ripening conditions. In good vintages, however, these cool vineyards can produce some of Germany's finest, freshest, most well balanced wines. The wines are steelier, racier, more lime-like in their fruit than Mosel rieslings and posses very fine, precise acidity.

Goldberg Riesling 2010 QbA Twenty years ago, the Wawerner Goldberg or 'Golden Mountain' was almost unknown. Over the years, it has proven itself to produce grapes of quality equal to that of the famous vineyards of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer valleys. By midday, the sun shines almost vertically on the Goldberg, providing perfect ripening conditions. Careful pruning and low yields intensify the grapes ability to best reflect its terroir with vibrant acidity and slate-rich minerality. Visit Weingut Johann Peter Mertes All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability. Read the small print for more information.