The History of the Saar

How the Saar made its reputation.

“The area is small and the winegrowing villages are few, but they have certainly learned to make a name for themselves. […] Saar wines are generally credited with displaying the most noble of Riesling bouquets, even more than do those of the Mosel Valley. They are also leaner, more ethereal, and indeed even lighter in color, but otherwise generally of genuine Mosel character.” H. Koch, Moselwein, 1897

“There is only one confession that I cannot deny, such a fine Saar vintage wine, with its sparkling freshness, belongs to the best… which the Lord has matured on this planet.” This original quote from a commemorative publication in 1927 expresses perfectly our enthusiasm for the fantastic quality and rare potential of the Saar.

In terms of size, the rather small viticulture of the Saar, is limited predominantly to south-facing slate slopes. This unique combination of barren, mineralrich, fertile, slate soils and the warmth of the steep slopes, is so important to the aroma formation of the Riesling. Arno Luik from Stern described this unusual situation on the steep slopes of Van Volxem as “a climatic border area where heaven and hell are close together.”

 

The result is glorious ripe fruit, moderate alcohol and a fascinating elegance and delicacy. At the end of the 19th century, Saar wines achieved top prices at the important Trier auctions, on average, prices were significantly higher than those of the Mosel. The great importance of the Saar at this time is evident in the fact that, although it only had a 10-percent share of the entire Mosel region, almost half of the “best Mosel wines” auctioned in Trier came from the renowned Saar estates.

The historical vineyard maps.

A great wine is always a reflection of its origin, coupled with the dedication and passion of the people who created it. The study of historical vineyard maps and documents helped us from the beginning to rediscover and then to recultivate some of the most valuable sites in the Saar region. Even back then, the best sites on the Saar were among the most coveted and expensive vineyards in the world.

The natural wine concept.

The focus of our intense work is a conscious return to artisanal traditions with a respect for the uniqueness of our steep slopes. The basis for the worldwide success of Mosel and Saar-wines during the imperial period was the Burgundian concept of “clos” and “terroir” and we are committed to this legacy.

Historical wine lists from around the world.

Saar wines enjoyed an excellent reputation around 1900. They were among the most desirable wines of outstanding international restaurants. Saar wines, including those from Van Volxem, were sometimes more expensive than wines from today’s most renowned wineries in the world.

Wine style

Respect for the uniqueness of our steep slopes

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Wines

“Saarweine Großer Lagen.”

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Saarweine großer Lagen

Get to know wines. Pure drinking pleasure, wonderfully accessible from a young age.

Saar

Small, fine with a special magic – the saar valley.

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Wine style

Respect for the uniqueness of our steep slopes

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The History of the Saar

How the Saar made its reputation.

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Vinotheque

A special place to experience our passion for wine.

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Sustainability

Innovation and sophisticated technology for a better future.

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