The Mosel follows a winding river valley where vines are planted on some of the steepest slopes in the wine world, often on slate so precipitous that terraces must be worked by hand or cable-hauled sled. That slate soaks up daytime heat and radiates it back at night, helping Riesling ripen this far north while retaining piercing acidity. The wines range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, with alcohol levels often lower than almost anywhere else in the wine world.

Key grapes: Riesling