Location and Orientation
The Kläuserweg is a vineyard site in Geisenheim in Rheingau. The long, south-facing site lies to the west of the Johannisberg Schlossberg and near the vineyard sites Rothenberg and Johannisberg. The orientations range from south-east to south-west, the elevations from 110 to 150 metres above sea level, and the slope gradients from 10 to 40 percent. Part of the site features steep slopes.
Climate and Soils
The Taunus protects the vineyard from cold north winds. The prevailing soils consist of deep, calcareous, stony loess loam, as well as tertiary marl over quartzite with slate. In addition, deep, calcareous loam, sand and gravel have been documented.
Grape Variety and Wine Style
The Kläuserweg is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®; Riesling is listed as the classified grape variety. The wines are described as full-bodied, extract-rich Rieslings with dense aromas and an elegance shaped by firm acidity. Dry and finely off-dry wines are documented, as well as Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese and Eiswein.
Area and History
The town of Geisenheim lists the Kläuserweg as a vineyard site of 50 hectares; for the classified VDP.GROSSE LAGE area, the VDP states 19 hectares. The name is attested in 1292 as “Via Clusen” and since the early 14th century as “Cluserweg”. It is connected with the former Benedictine convent of Sankt Georgsklause near Johannisberg, which, according to the VDP information, was dissolved in 1452.
