Location and Climate
The Geierslay is a vineyard site in Wintrich in the Mosel wine-growing region of Germany. It lies in a side valley of the Mosel. For Wintrich, a description is given of protection from west winds provided by the Eifel, possible föhn effects, limited air exchange and a comparatively warm, almost Mediterranean local climate.
Topography and Soils
The Geierslay is a south-facing steep slope with a stated gradient of around 55 degrees. The soil is described as violet-coloured slate, which is heavily interspersed with quartzite and iron.
Farming and Grape Varieties
The site is cultivated on a steep hillside; for the winery with plots in the Wintricher Geierslay, hand-picking and sorting of the grapes are reported. Riesling as well as white and red Burgundy varieties grow in the site. A documented wine from the 2024 vintage is a Riesling Kabinett with the designation Wintricher Geierslay and 7.5% vol. alcohol.
Historical Context
The Geierslay is documented in the Saar-Mosel wine-growing map of 1868, in which the corresponding parcel of land is referred to as Geierslei. According to a historical depiction, the roughly five-hectare vineyard site was in the sole ownership of the wine merchant family Böcking in the early 19th century, and later passed by marriage to the wine-growing family Huesgen. In the Prussian wine-growing map of 1868, it was classified as a top-class site.
