Location and Topography
Gräfenberg is a vineyard site in Kiedrich in the Rheingau. The south-west-facing slope lies at around 230 metres above sea level and has gradients of up to 60 per cent. It is located in the sheltered Kiedrich valley and is among the steepest vineyard sites in the Rheingau.
Climate and Soils
Taunus winds ensure air circulation in the site and support a long ripening period of the grapes. The medium- to deep-rooting soils are stony and coarse-grained, containing a high proportion of phyllite as well as some loess loam. Loess-loam layers that retain water, together with the stony subsoil, promote deep root development and an even water supply for the vines.
Grape Variety and Wine Style
For Gräfenberg, Riesling is documented as the grape variety. The wines are described with fine acidity, a mineral character, complexity, elegance and finesse. The site produces both dry and noble-sweet Rieslings and is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®.
Historical Evidence
The site was documented in 1109 as “mons rhingravii”; in documents from 1258 and 1259, the name “Grevenberg” appears. Rieslings from Gräfenberg from the Robert Weil estate gained international recognition in the late 19th century. The Riesling Auslese of the 1893 vintage was delivered to European royal and imperial courts.
