Synonymous with Riesling, the Mosel is Germany’s oldest and best-known wine region. Named for the river which its vineyards surround, it stretches from Koblenz to the Luxembourg border in the southwest of the region. Along with its two tributaries, the Saar and Ruwer, the Mosel meanders slowly for nearly 250 km, often adjacent to incredibly steep Riesling vineyards planted in slate-based, poor soils. The valley which the river cuts through protects the vines from the cold and wind to create one of the warmest regions in the country, resulting in what most consider to be the finest expression of Riesling in the world. Styles are typically off-dry and fruity with low alcohol levels and unparalleled complexity. Riesling accounts for two thirds of plantings, but you will also find small amounts of Muller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.