Location and classification
The Königslay terraces are a registered single-vineyard site in the Merl district of Zell (Mosel) in the wine-growing region Mosel. They belong to the Großlage Schwarze Katz. The 2024 vineyard directory lists 5.6 hectares of planted vineyard area and the vineyard site number 440414.
Terraces and soils
The site is planted as a terraced steep slope with a south-south-westerly aspect and has a gradient of 65 per cent. The high proportion of slate also includes weathered soils made from pure slate quartzite. The dry, extreme conditions are accompanied by limited water storage; the aspect and slate help to store the sun’s warmth.
Cultivation and grape variety
The Königslay terraces comprise numerous small parcels. Around 90 per cent of the site is owned by the Kallfelz winery; the vines are trained on individual stakes. Riesling is grown. The site is also documented as part of the Mosel classification of 1869 in class 1.
Wine style and vinification
The Rieslings are associated with fruity, elegant, fine and racy expressions. Medium-dry and sweet wines, as well as mineral, piquant and deep, structured styles are documented. For a Kallfelz bottling, all work in the vineyard and the harvest were carried out by hand; the grapes were hand-selected twice. A Kallfelz Riesling from the 2023 vintage fermented in stainless steel at a controlled cool temperature and then aged for a longer period on fine lees.
