What I Learned
Luxembourg, a small nation, has a long official name: The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. With its eastern border set along the Moselle River, Luxembourg, like its riparian neighbors in the tri-border area, France and Germany, is also known for its wines.
Two cantons along the river, the Grevenmacher Canton to the north and the Remich Canton to the south, are the two main centers for the Appellation Controlee Moselle Luxembourgeoise, the one and only wine region in Luxembourg. Remich’s southern-most commune, Schengen, includes several villages, to include Bech-Kleinmacher, Wellenstein and Schwebsingen/Schwebsange. These three villages are especially known for wine production.
The Cave du Wellenstein, founded in 1930, is the center of production of all Domaines Vinsmoselle wines. Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Rivaner (also known as Mueller-Thurgau), Riesling, Gewurztraminer and the ancient, regional varietal known as Elbling are the principal white varietals planted here. Pinot Noir is the only significant red varietal harvested in this area. Grapes have been cultivated on these slopes facing the Moselle since Roman times. Centuries of viticulture have resulted in vineyards large and small, the named and the famed. Among them (along of near the trail) are Bech-Kleinmacher’s Enschberg, Naumberg and Falkenberg; Wellenstein’s Foulschette and Kurschels; and the Kolteschberg and Hehberg of Schwebsingen/Schwebsange.
As in many wine producing areas that often experience cool and cloudy weather, a particular specialty in this canton is the production of sparkling wine. It is known as Cremant. This region also produces straw wines, ice wines and late harvest wines, which can be just as satisfying as those found across the river in Germany’s Moselle Wine Region.
What I Tasted
2012 Pinot Blanc, Coteaux de Schengen, Grand Premier Cru, Domaines Vinsmoselle: A dry white wine, with a lighter medium gold color; a stone fruits nose, with fruit-forward flavors with a hint of citrus and a tiny bit of spice; smooth finish with medium acidity overall.
2012 Auxerrois, Remich Hopertsbour, Grand Premier Cru, Domaines Vinsmoselle: A dry white wine, with a light gold color; a slightly floral nose, with delicate, floral and fruity flavors with a hint of smoke. Medium mouthfeel, with medium acidity.
Cremant Heritage, Brut, Cremant de Luxembourg, Caves Gales: A dry, sparkling white wine (Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois), with fine, lively bubbles and pale straw color; green apple nose and flavors, with slight bready and floral notes; medium high acidity, with a long, and slightly tart finish.