Elbling
The Romans' Own Grape
Elbling is grown in Mosel, Luxembourg and Germany.
3regions it is known for
2other names
- Tastes of
- green apple, citrus, high acidity and mineral
- Goes with
- sekt, light fish and aperitivo
- Also called
- Alben, Kleinberger
The story
Elbling is possibly the oldest grape variety still cultivated in Germany—the Romans planted it 2,000 years ago. Today it survives mainly in the upper Mosel and Luxembourg, making razor-sharp whites and sparkling wines.
Insider story
Elbling was Germany's most planted grape before Riesling.
The acidity is extreme—perfect for Sekt.
Luxembourg's Crémant often includes Elbling.
Technical deep dive
Very high acidity, light body.
Green apple, citrus, mineral.
Excellent for sparkling.
Industry secrets
Elbling Sekt is the insider German sparkling.
Razor acidity, mineral finish, €8-12.
For collectors
Investment grade C-
- Auction records
- No auction market
- Blue-chip producers
-
- Various Mosel and Luxembourg producers
- Value picks
- Elbling Sekt ($8-15)
- Price trend
- Stable.
- Collector’s tip
- Not for collecting. Perfect value sparkling.