Location and landscape
Traisen is a municipality in the Nahe valley in Rhineland-Palatinate and is surrounded by hills and vineyards. The region is assigned to the Nahe. Within the municipal area, the Rotenfels massif forms a distinctive escarpment with a height difference of a little more than 200 metres above the Nahe valley.
Crag and terroir
The vineyard site Bastei lies directly above the Nahe at the foot of the Rotenfels massif. The classified plots are oriented to the south, are at a height of around 120 to 140 metres, and have a slope inclination of roughly 40 per cent. The warmth of the site is promoted by the south-facing aspect, reflections from the Nahe and light-coloured rock surfaces, as well as by the protection provided by the Rotenfels massif.
The soil of the Bastei is predominantly rocky and contains rhyolite, as well as a stony, gravelly component of loam. The Rotenfels area is characterised by red volcanic rhyolite and porphyritic rock.
Viticulture and grape varieties
The official wine-growing register lists four single vineyard sites in Traisen. For the Bastei, Riesling is given as the classified grape variety. A producer from Traisen also grows Riesling from Nonnengarten and Kickelskopf, as well as wines from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Frühburgunder from the Rotenfels.
Machines are used in the vineyard and the work is then finished by hand; at the same time, yields are targeted for reduction. The grapes are treated gently and are aged for longer on the lees in stainless-steel containers or in barriques.
