Moselle is an appellation covering white, red and rosé wines from an area in the administrative department of Moselle in Northeastern France. The Vineyard">Vineyard zone covers land on both sides of the Mosel River (known locally as the Moselle), before it flows north to form the heart of Germany's famed Mosel wine region.
Moselle wines are most often light, Aromatic whites with crisp Acidity. They are made predominantly from the Auxerrois Blanc and Müller-Thurgau grape varieties.
The Moselle AOC zone extends along the banks of the river in western Moselle, covering 18 communes in that department plus one in the neighboring department of Meurthe-et-Moselle. Most vineyards lie on south-facing hillsides to make the most of sunlight exposure, an important consideration at the area's relatively high latitude of 49°N. In fact, aside from a few vineyards in the very north of Champagne, Moselle boasts France's northernmost AOC-defined area.
Historically, Moselle (and indeed much of the Lorraine region) was an important area of wine production in northern France.
Before the introduction of appellation laws, vineyards near Metz were planted to Pinot Noir. These were used in the production of Champagne, or – while Lorraine was under German rule following the Franco-Prussian War – Sekt.
The land under vine in Moselle decreased following the crisis involving Phylloxera, which reached the area in the early 20th Century. This was followed by a period of increasing industrialization and then World War I, which had a major impact on all forms of agriculture in northeast France.
Do growers make wine – or do markets? Growers, of course. Yet markets define the scope of the grower’s creative efforts by what they reward or sanction. When markets are neglectful and unresponsive, there’s little the grower can do but conform. It’s a problem the world over. Here’s an example. The river Moselle/Mosel rises to the wet west of the Vosges mountains, then curves in a long green arc heading north through Epinal, Metz and (along the left bank) Luxembourg’s Grand Duchy, turning east at ...
Do growers make wine – or do markets? Growers, of course. Yet markets define the scope of the grower’s creative efforts by what they reward or sanction. When markets are neglectful and unresponsive, there’s little the grower can do but conform. It’s a problem the world over. Here’s an example. The river Moselle/Mosel rises to the wet west of the Vosges mountains, then curves in a long green arc heading north through Epinal, Metz and (along the left bank) Luxembourg’s Grand Duchy, turning east at ...
For the first time in our history, Decanter Fine Wine Encounter opened its doors in New York City and what an incredible day of wine tasting for everyone who visited. 50 prestigious wine producers from all over the world arrived to pour their top wines for Decanter’s diverse and enthusiastic attendees. Guests had access to more than 200 fine wines and the opportunity to attend four sensational masterclasses. See photo highlights from the day below. Thanks to all of the producers and guests for m ...
