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The Mosel River is the sinuous spine of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, changing direction
so often as it flows northeast toward the Rhine that it meanders nearly 250 km/150 miles, to
cover about half that distance as the crow flies. Together with its two small tributaries,
the Saar and the Ruwer, the Mosel composes one geographical entity. Although each river's
vineyard area produces a wine with its own distinctive personality, the three share a family
resemblance: a fragrance reminiscent of spring blossoms, a pale color, light body and a
refreshing, fruity acidity. To add to their charm, they often have the slightest hint of
effervescence. Most display their finest charms in youth; the late- and selectively-harvested
wines merit aging. Along the serpentine route of the Mosel, the river banks rise so sharply
that the vineyards carpeting these slopes are among the steepest in the world, with some
planted at an astounding 70-degree gradient. On these precipitous inclines, nearly all labor
must be done by hand. That includes tying each vine to its own eight-foot wooden stake, and
carrying up the slate soil that has washed down with the winter rains.
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