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It is said that the character of a wine reflects the character of its maker. No wonder, then, that the wines produced by young winemaker Bob Molling since 2020 are generous, fruity, honest, expressive and aromatic…just like him. Bob Molling grew up with winemaking, on his family’s vineyards, which they have owned for at least three generations. “My grandparents were winegrowers for Domaines Vinsmoselle. As a child, I loved riding beside my grandfather on his tractor and helping him deliver the grapes to Caves du Sud in Remerschen,” he recalls fondly.
Family land
In the early 2000s, his grandparents retired. Of the family’s once large vineyards, only 60 ares remained. “Most of these vineyards were where the tunnel is today,” he explains, referring to the 1.6 km Markusbierg tunnel, which was constructed between 1997 and 2003.
As a student, Bob Molling attended Hochschule Geisenheim University in Germany, origin of the best winemakers in Germany and the world. After graduating, he returned to Luxembourg, where he worked for a winemaker in Remich. Keen to travel and broaden his horizons, Bob then worked as a consultant in Bosnia, Serbia, Romania and South Africa. “At that point, it had never crossed my mind to make wine myself.” In May 2019, his grandmother told him that the family’s vineyards —which they had been leasing out — were available again. It was then that he decided to take them on himself and establish his own estate: Molling Wines.
A breathtaking view
When we arrive at the estate in Remerschen on a sunny Monday, we are met by a tractor and small trailer: a mobile tasting table. Jun Ruan is also visiting the estate today. Crowned 3rd in the Best Sommelier of Luxembourg competition, she has lived in France for ten years and is now sommelier at La Provençale. She, too, is very much looking forward to the special visit that awaits us.
Bob Molling is joined by fellow winemaker Marc Kohll who drives us up to the vineyards in the tractor, and shows us his friend’s land and the breathtaking views over the Moselle. It’s a fantastic way to travel along the small paths that criss-cross Felsberg! The winemaker tells us that he’s hoping that the vehicle, bought last year, will get a lot of use this year. “We also offer the option of a short gourmet walk through the vineyard. Just give us a call!” he says.
After visiting the vineyards, it’s now time to taste the wine. We start off with the Roots cuvée. “It is especially dear to my heart, because roots not only symbolise the vines, but also my family, my heritage, my world,” the winemaker explains, full of pride and emotion. This 2021 vintage is 25% Auxerrois and 75% Pinot Blanc. “The vines are mostly 40-45 years old, and some of the grapes have been fermented with their skins.”
Surprises and discoveries
Jun Ruan’s verdict? “It’s a rather dry wine, very aromatic with fruity notes, thanks to the skin fermentation.” When the winemaker suggests pairing it with a mushroom risotto, the sommelier agrees, adding that it would also go well with a John Dory dish or a cheese board.
Next up is the Auxerrois 2021: “White fruits, white peach, nectarine, a nice acidity: I can imagine it with a herby or spicy fish tartare. I’d probably decant it a little too,” says the expert sommelier.
Last but not least: the Riesling 2020. The perfect wine to accompany shellfish, according to Ruan, who seems impressed. “A simple wine with mineral notes, a beautiful citrusy nose with a hint of honey, thanks to the wonderful ripeness of the grapes,” she enthuses. After a few more surprises (including a brief shower of rain and a spectacular rainbow), it’s time to get back to the real world. The visit may well be over, but we’ll definitely be back — with family, friends and colleagues next time… The wonderful world of friendly winemaker Bob Molling is always well worth the visit!
MOLLING WINES
2, Rue de la Montagne — L-3259 Bettembourg
Tel. +352 / 691 250 891