Crédits : Charlène Campos. Translation: Jill Harry. Pictures: Merten Snijders, Hans-Peter Merten, Getty Images
Getaway
Not far from the frenzy of Luxembourg’s capital, vines cover the hillsides along the Moselle valley. On the border with Germany, this peaceful river is bordered by vines along almost 42 km, between Schengen and Wasserbillig. As if they had jumped out of a picture-postcard, the landscapes are spellbinding and appreciated just as well on foot, by bike or boat. Tear yourself away for a short stay and discover picturesque villages and their surrounding vineyard properties. Dating back to the Roman era, Luxembourg’s vines reveal themselves to visitors on exalting oenotourism stays.
On estates sometimes hundreds of years old, vine-growers share their family’s past, their passion for their work, and the specific features of the wines they produce. Often connoisseurs of French or German wines, visitors thus have the chance to discover a terroir unique in its kind. The complexity of the soil, its composition or even its water supply, produces a wine offering incomparable characteristics, enabling Luxembourg’s vines to give birth to a surprisingly rich range of wines. An excellent land for white wine, Luxembourg offers ideal maturing conditions for white grape varieties. The land is known for its dry wines, and its many grape varieties then ensure its wide diversity. The protected origin appellation, “Moselle Luxembourgeoise”, boasts 14 varieties. Le Rivaner, an historic Grand-Duchy wine, accounts alone for one third of the vineyard. As for Riesling or Burgundian varieties such as Auxerrois and Pinot Gris, they also represent a large part of production. In the glass, these wines, sometimes lively and distinguished, sometimes well-rounded and aromatic, give everyone the possibility of appreciating how the region’s aromas are expressed. Peaceful white wines are indeed great classics, but they nevertheless allow very interesting reds and high-quality sparkling wines to express themselves.
Luxembourg’s vineyards can pride themselves on offering an all-round, varied assortment of wines, allowing each culinary moment to be enhanced. Sparkling Crémants are willingly substituted for fruity and flowery Gewurztraminers for an aperitif, as desired. Elegant and subtle, White and Grey Pinots are perfect companions for traditional Luxembourg recipes. Full-bodied Pinot Noirs then go very well with meat dishes. Not forgetting late harvests and ice wines, which round off a meal wonderfully alongside desserts. Luxembourg’s vineyard will inevitably see that you discover unsuspected treasures!
