Travel to Germany’s legendary Mosel Valley with Johannes Selbach — the heart and mind behind Selbach-Oster and J. & H. Selbach wines. With roots tracing back to the 1600s, Johannes opens up about what it means to carry a family legacy while staying true to nature and terroir.

From the dramatic steep vineyards blanketed in slate to spontaneous fermentations and aging in traditional Fuder barrels, we explore the elements that shape Mosel’s unmistakable Riesling profile. Johannes breaks down the nuances of dry versus sweet styles, why site expression matters, and how history and humility guide his craft.
From preserving heritage to empowering the next generation, Johannes offers insight into how great wines are born from great places — and a deep respect for them.

Key Points

• The Selbach family’s 400+ years of history in the Mosel Valley
• How Johannes balances tradition with modern winemaking practices
• The unique terroir of the Mosel: slate soils, steep vineyards, river influence
• Selbach-Oster’s philosophy: minimal intervention, vineyard-driven wines
• Understanding Riesling styles — from bone-dry to lusciously sweet
• Why Riesling is misunderstood and how it pairs with food
• Climate change and its impact on recent Mosel vintages
• The evolution of the U.S. market and Selbach-Oster’s strong American ties
• Memorable stories from standout vintages and family vineyards
• Johannes’s perspective on the future of German wine and Riesling’s global role

🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms
🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com

We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House and Heather Donovan Real Estate.