The Principality with its capital Vaduz covers 160.5 km². It lies between Switzerland and Austria. Viticulture has been practised there for 2,000 years, the first vines were brought to the country by the Romans. Around 1600, there were severe losses due to the Little Ice Age (cold spell). At that time, many vineyards were converted into orchards. Above all, the Weißer Elbling variety was cultivated and, from the mid-17th century, Pinot Noir.
The vineyards cover 25 hectares in the municipalities of Balzers, Eschen, Gamprin-Bendern, Schaan, Schellenberg, Triesen and Vaduz on the southern slopes of the Rhine Valley. The varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. Müller-Thurgau and Ruländer (Pinot Gris) are cultivated. Specialities include Beerliwein (Pinot Noir) and Kretzer (a sweet expression of Pinot Noir). Well-known wineries are Castellum, Hoop, Hofkellerei Stiftung Fürst Liechtenstein and Harry Zech.
For me, Lexicon from wein.plus is the most comprehensive and best source of information about wine currently available.
Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)