Luxembourg (officially the 'Grand Duchy of Luxembourg') is a landlocked nation at the junction of Belgium, Germany and France. It is a small country in comparison to its neighbors, extending just 50 miles (80km) north to south and 31 miles (50km) west to east.
Located in the north of Western Europe, this is one of the world's coolest wine regions. In the north of the country, the rolling Ardennes mountains dominate the topography. The north is sparsely populated, with the vast majority of Luxembourg’s half a million people living in the southern half of the country.
Winemaking is centered on the southeastern portion of Luxembourg where the Mosel river (known as the Moselle) forms the national border with Germany. The Luxembourg Moselle is not as steep as the German Mosel and has fewer south-orientated vineyards. Wine production is typically focused on white grape varieties led by Rivaner (Müller-Thurgau), Elbling, Auxerrois, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. Many sparkling wines are produced as Cremant de Luxembourg and even a few late-harvest and sweet wines are made. A little Pinot Noir is also made, though it is rarely seen outside of the Benelux countries.
Since only one wine region exists within Luxembourg there is no appellation system as such, however there is a national classification system called the Marque Nationale. Established in 1935, the Marque Nationale guarantees the origin and quality of Luxembourg wine. Producers seeking the classification must submit their wine to an appointed tasting panel, which may reject the wine or choose to award it Appellation Controlée, Premier Cru or Grand Premier Cru status.
