Location and classification
Fels is a legally registered single vineyard in the municipality and cadastral district of Frei-Laubersheim in Rheinhessen. The site belongs to the winegrowing area of Bingen and the Großlage of Rheingrafenstein. It is located on the side facing away from Frei-Laubersheim towards Hackenheim.
Relief and soils
The vineyard is exposed to the east and lies at an altitude of about 165 to 260 metres. The name Fels refers to the exposed bedrock geology. The terrain combines clay marl and loess with rhyolite and quartz porphyry.
Soil profile
Documented are calcareous clay marl as Pelosol and calcareous loess as Pararendzina. The deep, strongly calcareous and nutrient-rich Pelosol contains clay minerals capable of swelling, has limited permeability and makes it difficult for roots to penetrate. Pararendzina is a deep, fertile calcareous loam with good water retention and good root penetrability.
Wines and cultivation area
Fels is described as producing both white and red wines with a mineral character and ageing potential. Wines from Grauburgunder, Auxerrois, Spätburgunder and Gewürztraminer are documented. These include dry late harvest wines, select wines and dry beerenauslese wines, as well as dry red Spätburgunder. The official vineyard register lists a planted vineyard area of 50.8 hectares for the single vineyard of Frei-Laubersheimer Fels. A Fels Grauburgunder is documented as being fermented in vat and aged for twelve months; for a Fels Grauburgunder and Merlot, maturation in wooden barrels is also documented.
