Location and classification
Gäns is a legally registered wine-growing site in Kobern-Gondorf, in the cadastre district of Gondorf and south of Gondorf, above the Moselle. The site belongs to the winegrowing region Mosel, to the Burg Cochem area and to the Großlage Weinhex. Its official vineyard site number is 440516; the 2024 register lists 2.3 hectares of planted vineyard area.
Topography and site
Gäns is documented as a terraced steep slope with a gradient of more than 50 per cent. The slope, oriented to the south and south-west, is separated from the Moselle by a rocky ridge. The soils include quartz-bearing slate, Rotliegend material, layers weathered to different degrees, rocky ribs and, locally, deeper soil profiles. The elevated position and the local air circulation are associated with less autumn moisture and a lower susceptibility to grape rot.
Grape varieties and wine styles
In Gäns, Riesling is documented as the grape variety. In the lower part of the slope, Müller-Thurgau has been replaced by Riesling. From the site, dry and finely off-dry Rieslings are documented; historical entries also mention Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese and Trockenbeerenauslese.
Cultivation and name
Cultivation is carried out as terraced steep-slope viticulture, predominantly by hand. For the parcels farmed by Lubentiushof, it is also documented that fertiliser is dispensed with, yields are below 40 hectolitres per hectare, and an overhead single-wire cable railway is used. The wines from this estate are aged using spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts, prolonged fermentation and several months on the fine lees.
The name of the site is associated with the geese that were kept by the von der Leyen family in the Gondorf area, including geese before slaughter.
