Location and Classification
Burg Gutenfels is a legally registered single vineyard site within the locality and cadastral district of Kaub in the winegrowing region Mittelrhein, Loreley area and Großlage Herrenberg. The vineyards lie below Burg Gutenfels on the steep slopes above Kaub and close to the Rhine. The 2024 vineyard directory lists the site under number 320405 with a planted area of less than one hectare.
Soil and Climate
The south- and south-west-facing steep slopes are characterised by weathered, stony slate soils. The geological subsoil is classified regionally as Devonian clay slate as well as related Devonian sandstone and quartzite formations. Warm, sufficiently moist summers, dry late summer, and the climatic influence of the Rhine determine the conditions at the site. Slate rock and dry-stone walls store solar warmth and release it again after sunset.
Terraces and Development
Historic terraces below the castle were reactivated for steep-slope viticulture as part of the Kaub-Gutenfels land consolidation project, which began in 2005. From 2008 onwards, new vines were planted, partly on cross terraces. The redesign also included improving access, maintaining the plots, protecting against wild animals, and repairing dry-stone walls. Below the castle there is a wall more than 32 metres long and up to four metres high. Cultivation is terraced; in longer dry periods, it is documented that fresh water is used for drip irrigation.
Grape Varieties and Wines
Riesling is the most important documented grape variety of the site. For the Kaub-Gutenfels winegrowing area, around 60 per cent Riesling, 30 per cent Pinot Noir and 10 per cent other varieties such as Sauvignon blanc, Ruländer and Müller-Thurgau are given. In the plots of a local producer, the site is planted entirely with Riesling. Dry Rieslings and Riesling quality wines up to Beerenauslese are documented.
