Bischöfliches Priesterseminar - Erdener Treppchen Riesling dry 1981

Episcopal Seminary – Erdener Treppchen Riesling dry 1981: A classic of the Moselle’s steep-slope viticulture

The 1981 Erdener Treppchen Riesling (dry) from the Episcopal Seminary in Trier is a striking testament to the long tradition of the Episcopal vineyards on the Moselle. The Seminary, founded in 1773, is one of the three partners in the consortium formed in 1966, which cultivates a total of 120 hectares of vineyards in prime locations, with Riesling being the dominant grape variety at 88 per cent . The Episcopal Vineyards are thus among the most important wineries in the region.

The Erdener Treppchenvineyard is one of the most famous and, at the same time, steepest sites on the Moselle . The extremely steep slopes on the opposite bank of Erden are accessible only via narrow steps carved into the rock, from which the vineyard takes its name . The south- and south-west-facing slopes, with gradients of 50 to 80 per cent, consist of blue, grey and red slate, which gives the wines their distinctive mineral and spicy notes . The Episcopal Estates cultivate 1.6 of the total 53.4 hectares of this VDP-classified ‘Große Lage’ .

The 1981 vintage is now a sought-after rarity. Wines from this era are characteristic of the artisanal winemaking of the time, when ageing in large oak barrels was still the norm . A Riesling of this quality, matured for almost half a century, displays a complex spectrum of aromas characterised by the typical Tertiary slate notes – smoky, spicy notes combine with a lively yet harmoniously integrated acidity. The dry style of vinification lends the wine a robust, structured character.

For lovers of great German Rieslings , this Erdener Treppchenoffers a rare opportunity to experience an authentic piece of Mosel Riesling history and to savour the exceptional quality of a winery that, like few others, embodies the tradition and excellence of German viticulture .