Location and Landscape
Freundstück is located on the western edge of Forst in the wine-growing region Pfalz, close to the town. The vineyard site borders Kirchenstück and Ungeheuer. It comprises about 3.5 hectares; the area classified by the VDP is 3.00 hectares.
The relatively flat terrain has a slope of 5 to 10 percent and a predominantly south-facing aspect. According to VDP information, the elevation is about 110 to 120 metres above sea level.
Climate and Soils
The proximity to the town contributes to a comparatively warm location, while the nights cool down more than in Kirchenstück. The sheltered microclimate enables especially good ripeness of the Riesling grapes.
The soil contains Buntsandstein gravel as well as loam or sandy loam. Limestone gravel occurs locally; beneath the top layer of soil and gravel lies a separating limestone plate.
Grape Varieties and Wine Style
The VDP lists Riesling as a classified grape variety and classifies Freundstück as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®. Riesling and Spätburgunder are cultivated in the site; one producer indicates that their plantings are 65 percent Riesling and 35 percent Spätburgunder.
Rieslings from Freundstück are described as having good structure, acidity and minerality, as well as high ripeness and fine fruit. Spätburgunder is characterised by one producer as being fruit-forward.
History and Production
The municipality of Forst traces the vineyard name back to the historical designation “Am Frienacker”, which is documented for 1460. The classification from 1828 under the Bavarian royal land tax legislation counted Freundstück among the highly rated vineyard sites in Pfalz.
Georg Mosbacher matures his Spätburgunder from Freundstück for 12 to 15 months in small wooden casks. In years with suitable weather conditions, ice wine is also produced from the site.
