Wine from Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a small but historic wine country whose vineyards are concentrated almost entirely along the Moselle in the south-east of the Grand Duchy. For roughly 42 kilometres, the river forms the border with Germany, with vineyards overlooking its valley from slopes and terraces. Viticulture here reaches back to Roman times. The Luxembourg Moselle is generally less precipitous and somewhat milder in feel than many sites across the river in Germany, conditions that often favour riper, gently dry white wines.

The area is commonly considered through the sections around Schengen, Remich and Grevenmacher. Schengen lies in the south, Remich is an important central wine town, and Grevenmacher is a recognised northern centre. Limestone and shell-rich soils occur alongside sandstone and marl. The river moderates the climate, although spring frost and cool growing seasons remain genuine hazards. Small family estates work alongside cooperative producers and specialist sparkling-wine houses.

White varieties predominate. Rivaner, the local name commonly used for Müller-Thurgau, and Elbling make light, brisk wines intended for early drinking. Auxerrois is particularly characteristic and tends to produce softer, rounder whites. Riesling is capable of the most refined, energetic and ageworthy still wines. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris bring texture and ripe fruit, while Gewürztraminer and Muscat Ottonel provide aromatic breadth. Pinot Noir, with a smaller contribution from St Laurent, accounts for the modest red and rosé production.

The Moselle Luxembourgeoise protected designation of origin and the national quality system, Marque Nationale, provide a framework for origin and quality. Labels may carry Vin de Qualité, Premier Cru or Grand Premier Cru. Crémant de Luxembourg is a leading calling card: it is made by the traditional method and spends at least nine months on its lees in bottle. Lovers of the country should expect clean, dry whites with moderate alcohol, and crémants that can combine freshness and precision with subtle brioche notes.