Location and Topography
Mount Kaisersteinfels is a vineyard site in Rüdesheim am Rhein in Rheingau. The site lies above the Rhine bend near Rüdesheim, opposite the mouth of the Nahe near Bingen. The south-facing, sun-rich hillside lies at around 280 metres above sea level and includes partially terraced vineyards with a slope of 5 to 35 per cent.
Soils and Cultivation
The soils are considered stony and low in nutrients. They consist of quartzite-slate scree with red slate deposits; the geological subsoil is described as Taunus quartzite and phyllite slate. The permeable soils can dry out and at the same time store warmth. The VDP profile lists 8.2 hectares for the site and a classified area of 0.74 hectares. Leitz cultivates old terraces there and has restored former terrace sites.
Grape Variety and Classification
Riesling is the most important grape variety of the site and is listed as a classified grape variety. The VDP classifies BERG KAISERSTEINFELS in Rüdesheim as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® . Historical accounts report that Charlemagne had Orleans vines planted there and thereby established the imperial connection of the name.
Wine Style and Vinification
Wines from Berg Kaisersteinfels are described as mineral, fruit-forward and shaped by a firm acidity. Leitz characterises his Berg Kaisersteinfels Riesling GG as dry, distinctly mineral and deep-rooted. For the 2020 vintage, the grapes were gently pressed after a short maceration time; the pre-juice and the first pressing fraction were used. The musts were fermented separately for each individual site and, after almost 21 months, were fermented and matured in old wooden casks.
