Location and classification
Kirchspiel is a registered single vineyard site in Westhofen in the Wonnegau and belongs to the wine-growing region Rheinhessen in Germany. In the wine sites directory of Rhineland-Palatinate, the site comprises 43.8 hectares of planted vineyard area and carries the site number 730115.
Topography and soils
The VDP.GROSSE-LAGE area forms the upper, classified core of the site and comprises 16.57 hectares. It lies in the steeper part at around 150 metres above sea level with slope gradients of roughly 20 to 35 percent. Kirchspiel is laid out as a semicircular slope opening out towards the Rhine; the classified parcels are oriented to the east, south-east and south.
A ridge chain provides protection from cold west and north winds, while the east to south-east orientation allows for early morning sun. The soils consist mainly of clay marl with limestone inclusions and weathered calcareous loam; in the deeper subsoil, limestone predominates.
Grape varieties and wine style
Riesling is the predominant grape variety and at the same time the classified grape variety of the VDP.GROSSEN LAGE. To a limited extent, Silvaner is also documented. A described Riesling style from Kirchspiel includes aromas of peach, citrus fruit and apricot, as well as fine flint notes and pronounced minerality.
History
The site was first documented in 1348 under the name Kyrsbühel. In 1834, the winegrowing specialist Johann Philipp Bronner classified Kirchspiel together with Aulerde, which was then called Aulerde, as an outstanding vineyard site. For the classified site, K. F. Groebe, Keller and Wittmann are documented as VDP wine estates.
