Van Volxem Winery

When the remains of an ancient settlement can be found on a vineyard, it is historically valuable - but above all it is a sign that the Romans already appreciated the steep slopes on the Saar.

The site of today's Van Volxem vineyard was "rediscovered" by monks in the High Middle Ages and cultivated by Jesuits as a monastery vineyard from the 17th century. Then came the revolution, then expropriation, then the original Brussels brewer Gustav van Volxem. He recognised the potential of the vineyards and brought his products onto international wine lists with the rise of Moselle wine as a globally sought-after luxury good.

Since 2000, the estate has been in the hands of Roman Niewodniczanski, who has extensively restored and expanded it and added innovative aspects to traditional viticulture: "We believe that many things should be done differently, but also that many things cannot be done better than has been practised on our steep slopes for thousands of years. We believe in authentic wines - in manual labour - made with wild yeasts and without fining agents."

Low yields, manual harvesting not before mid-October and elaborate selection are further hallmarks. But above all, of course, it is the barren, mineral-rich Devonian slate in the steep slopes and the cool Saar climate that ensure the typical expression of the predominantly dry Van Volxem Rieslings: "ripe in acidity, dense and complex in structure."

© Photos: Van Volxem