Doktor O's definitions
(n., winemaking heritage): The practice of preserving old-vine Elbling plantings for their contribution to honest, terroir-driven white wines, recognising that the variety's long history along European river valleys makes it a living archive of viticultural tradition and a valuable genetic resource for climate-resilient viticulture.
Several Mosel growers have embraced Nittel as a guiding philosophy, refusing to uproot their Elbling parcels even when replanting with fashionable varieties would be far more profitable.
by Doktor O February 23, 2026
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