Germany
Von Hovel
Weingut von Hövel is a historic estate in Germany’s Saar region of the Mosel, with roots dating back to a 12th-century monastery, originally built as a moated castle of the Franconian King Ardulf. The winery has been in the same family since 1803 and is now led by the seventh generation, continuing a long tradition of producing refined and terroir-driven Rieslings.
The estate is set within a picturesque property featuring an extensive park with historic trees and a traditional vaulted cellar housing 42 classic Mosel fuder barrels. Von Hövel holds prime vineyard sites, including 2.85 hectares in the world-renowned Scharzhofberger vineyard, as well as two monopole sites, Hütte and Hörecker, which contribute to the estate’s distinctive portfolio.
The vineyards are planted predominantly with Riesling, thriving on the Saar’s steep, slate-rich slopes and cool climate. These conditions allow for slow ripening, preserving vibrant acidity and producing wines of finesse, precision and mineral complexity.
Winemaking follows a traditional and low-intervention approach. Fermentations are carried out spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and the wines are aged in large, neutral fuder barrels with extended lees contact to enhance texture and depth. The estate focuses on producing dry, off-dry and semi-sweet Rieslings, each expressing the character of its vineyard.
The wines of Weingut von Hövel are known for their elegance, purity and balance, offering a classic expression of Saar Riesling with remarkable freshness and ageing potential.