The Mosel wine region, situated in far western Germany, near the borders with France and Luxembourg, is name for the Moselle River. Because of the plantings along the river, the Mosel wine region, has become synonymous with German wine, and is today considered one of the world's great wine regions.

The principal grape here is Riesling, and because of the continental climate, aided by the cooling influences of the river, Mosel Riesling is among the most distinctive in the world, combining freshness and lively acidity, along with intense fragrances of petrol and white flowers. The finest vineyards are planted on extremely steep hillsides along the Moselle River, with some plantings as much as a 60% gradient.
This is extreme viticulture, and these vineyards are among the most photographed in the world.

As the Moselle River twists and turns its way from its northern section to its southern reaches, near the town of Koblenz, there are several districts, including the Middle Mosel (mittlemosel), the Saar and the Ruwer. The Middle Mosel is near the town of Bernkastel; the famed vineyard Bernkasteler Doctor is here; in the Saar district, the Scharzhofberger vineyard, is among the most revered of all Riesling sites.

Just over 22,000 acres are planted in the Mosel, making it the fifth largest wine region in Germany. Riesling is the principal planted variety, accounting for 60% of the total plantings. Other varieties found here include Müller-Thurgau, Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir), Kerner and Weissburgunder (Pinot Gris). The white wines of the Mosel are low in alcohol, usually between 6%-9%. (Wine/Appellations)