Location and wine-growing area
Felsberg, together with the Böddiger Berg, lies in the Böddigen district on the Eder, about 20 kilometres south of Kassel. The vineyard is situated north of the 50th parallel and is regarded as northern Hesse’s northernmost vineyard. Legally, the Böddiger Berg is assigned to the Qualitätswein Anbaugebiet Rheingau.
Site and cultivation
The Berg lies on a south-west-facing slope in the Böddigen cadastral area. Terraces improve growing conditions in the north Hessian climate, which is shaped by early and late frosts. The soil develops over north Hessian lava basalt rock; sunshine from August to October is decisive for the harvest quantity and quality.
History and management
Georg Angersbach brought viticulture back to life at the site in the early 1950s. After his death in 1979, the vineyard plot passed into public and charitable sponsorships; initially viticulture was discontinued. Since 1993, the Förderverein Böddiger-Berg has been farming the roughly 1.4 hectares of vineyard land organically. The grape harvest is carried out by voluntary helpers.
Grape varieties and wine
Ehrenfelser is the predominant grape variety; Riesling and Kerner have also been newly planted. Historically, the site was home to Riesling, Ehrenfelser and Müller-Thurgau. The wine is described as pale yellow, fresh and fruit-forward, with fine acidity and a balanced ratio of dryness and residual sweetness. Alongside still wine, sparkling wine and distillate made from pomace are also produced. After the harvest, the grapes are taken without delay to Hessische Staatsweingüter GmbH in Eltville, where pressing, maturation and bottling take place.
