Location and classification
Himmelreich is a single vineyard site in the municipality Graach on the right bank of the Mosel in the natural region of Mittelmosel. The vineyard belongs to the wine-growing region Mosel-Saar-Ruwer and to the Großlage Münzlay. As a single vineyard, Graacher Himmelreich is used for site-specific wines; the VDP also lists the site as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®.
Aspect and soils
The vine plots, which face from south-southwest to southwest, are located at around 110 to 260 metres above sea level and have a slope gradient of approximately 45 to 65 percent. The view towards the Mosel, whose reflective surface and heat retention reduce the risk of frost, as well as the protection of the Mosel valley from wind, shape the site. The soils consist of blue and grey slate that warms up slightly, slate weathering material and, in some plots, also loam.
Cultivation
Some vines are still trained traditionally on individual posts. Water veins in the slope supply the vines with water throughout the year.
Grape varieties and wines
For the classified site, Riesling is specified. Documented wines from Graacher Himmelreich include dry Riesling as Grosses Gewächs, as well as Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese and Trockenbeerenauslese. A documented Graacher Himmelreich Riesling GL by Willi Schaefer was matured for 18 months on the gross lees before bottling.
