The “Erdener Treppchen” from Meulenhof is a stellar example of Mosel terroir-driven, dry Riesling. Under the care of Stefan Justen, this bottle channels the traditions of one of Germany’s oldest estates while showcasing the pure minerality and brisk tension of its steep, stone-stepped vineyards. With their small annual production and manual cultivation on near-vertical slopes, Meulenhof’s wines reflect both the historic landscape and a precision rarely matched at this price point.
The Erdener Treppchen vineyard in the Mosel is famous for its dizzying slopes—a mosaic of weathered red and gray slate, carved with ancient steps to enable hand cultivation. This dramatic landscape gathers optimal sunlight, producing grapes with the perfect balance of ripeness and brisk acidity. The Mosel’s cool climate and unique soils create a signature minerality, while the proximity to the river moderates temperatures and encourages slow, aromatic development in the grapes. These sites consistently yield Rieslings of exceptional finesse and longevity, balancing minerality and fruit purity.
Meulenhof, with documented roots dating to 1337, is today managed by Stefan Justen, who continues the tradition of crafting expressive, age-worthy Mosel Riesling. After learning from previous generations, Stefan took over vinification and now oversees both vineyard care and cellar work. The estate is dedicated to hands-on, thoughtful farming on some of the Mosel’s steepest and most storied parcels, producing small quantities of wine that highlight place and tradition.
The hand-harvested grapes are pressed gently, and fermented with selected or native yeasts in classic Mosel fashion. Fermentation takes place in large neutral oak ‘fuder’ barrels or stainless steel, with the goal of preserving the vineyard’s distinctive mineral and fruit profile. For the Kabinett Trocken style, fermentation continues to dryness, resulting in a bracing, low-sugar, food-friendly wine. The wine then rests on fine lees for several months, enhancing mouthfeel and complexity before bottling.
The 2022 Erdener Treppchen Kabinett Trocken bursts with aromas of citrus, green apple, and cool wet stone, underscored by subtle herbal and floral notes. On the palate, it offers a racy acidity and pronounced minerality, with flavors of lime zest, white peach, and spring flowers. The finish is long and clean, marked by classic Mosel tension and a distinctive saline character. This wine shines with salads, fresh seafood, light poultry, or as a palate-whetting aperitif.
