The Blees-Ferber estate is located on a hill above Leiwen in the Bernkastel area, showcasing a beautiful view of the Mosel and the surrounding vineyards. Since winemaker Stefan Blees has taken over production of this family-owned estate in the mid-nineties, he has successfully increased the quality of the estate’s wines year over year.
The estate’s vineyards stretch over a total territory of 7.8 hectares, producing an annual average of 50,000 bottles. Like most Mosel vineyards, the winery produces mainly Riesling, which makes up 86% of its portfolio, followed by Rivaner, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc. 75% of the wine is dry or semi-dry and 25% is sweet or dessert wine.
In short, quality not quantity matters to Stefan Blees. Through selective harvesting of the grapes, limited yields, tender care of the vines and environmentally friendly fertilization, he practices viticulture that is close to nature. The fermentation is temperature-controlled in relatively small steel and wood barrels to achieve elegant wines with distinct fruit notes.
Stefan Blees has already won many awards in both state and federal competitions and is considered at the forefront of a group of up-and-coming young Mosel vintners.
The vineyards of the Blees-Ferber estate are akin to those of some of the most reputable names in Mosel and include the sites of Trittenheimer Apotheke, Piesporter Goldtröpfchen and Piesporter Gärtchen, a tiny location solely owned by Blees-Ferber and surrounded by the larger Piesporter Goldtröpfchen. The terroir consists mainly of slate, which absorbs heat very well and provides ideal conditions for Riesling, lending it a singular raciness and minerality.
The famous Goldtröpfchen vineyard has long put the winegrowing community of Piesport on the global map. It is one of the most famous sites along the Mosel. Because the Mosel is following an S-curve here, the Piesporter Goldtröpfchen is shaped like a southward facing amphitheater, allowing it to soak up the sun all day long and even at night, when the river releases some of the warmth it has captured during the day. The site is extremely steep with drops that range between 40 – 100% and is known for its light soil based on slate. The Piesporter Gärtchen is a parcel that is situated with the Piesporter Goldtröpfchen vineyard and is solely owned by Stefan Blees. He produces many of his finest sweet wines from this site.
The Apotheke is a steep, southwest-facing site with inclines of up to 70%, located across the river from the town of Trittenheim. Until 1909, when a bridge was built, the site was only accessible by boat. The soil consists of Devon slate and produces Riesling almost exclusively.
