Site and soils
Fuchsberg is the single vineyard Geisenheimer Fuchsberg in Geisenheim in the Rheingau. The vineyard site has deep-rooting loess clays and tertiary marl soils. A documented experimental site is oriented to the south-southeast on the lower slope with less than two degrees of gradient. There is a pararendzina-rigosol from more than two metres of thick, carbonate-rich loess over sands.
Varieties and wine style
In the Hessian register of named winegrowing sites, Riesling is listed as the grape variety. An experimental planting from Geisenheim University includes Riesling clone Gm 239 on 5C Teleki rootstock with plantings from 1971, 1995 and 2012. Fuchsberg also serves to test and propagate Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) clones on deep-rooting clay soil. The wines are described as full-bodied and powerful, with pronounced, firm acidity, and they are characterised by their suitability for longer bottle ageing.
Research and water management
At Fuchsberg, Geisenheim University runs research and demonstration areas for climate-resilient viticulture, water retention, biodiversity, and the combination of photovoltaics and grape growing. Together with the town of Geisenheim, sections of concreted drainage channels were replaced with naturally designed channels and retention basins in order to slow down runoff, hold back rainwater and support infiltration for the vines. The name Fuchsberg goes back to fox shelters that were previously found there.
