Location and classification
Kugelspiel is a classified vineyard site in Castell in the wine-growing region Franken. The vineyard area covers 13.03 hectares. Kugelspiel is classified as VDP.FIRST SITE and, as a single-vineyard site, is owned by the Fürstlich Castell’schen Domäne.
Aspect, climate and soils
The site, which faces north-west, lies at around 330 metres above sea level and has a slope gradient of 20 per cent. A wooded hill in the west, 300 to 350 metres high, protects against wind and contributes to a moderately cool local climate. Morning sun warms the soil, while the surrounding woodland provides shelter.
Documented are red Keuper marl (Lettenkeuper) and blown sandstone (Blasensandstein). The winery also describes the soils as a combination of reddish-brown Blasensandstein and green reed sandstone (Schilfsandstein).
Grape varieties and wines
In the VDP site profile, Silvaner and Rieslaner are listed as classified grape varieties. The winery describes the wines from Kugelspiel as delicate, herbaceous-spiced and mineral-dense, with a cool structure. The documented Silvaner from the 2023 vintage is dry and shows fresh acidity, apple and white blossom aromas, notes of dried herbs, and nutty density.
2023 vintage and name history
The vines used for the documented Silvaner are 55 years old. The wine was fermented spontaneously and aged for one year on the lees in barrels made of Castell oak. The winery states that its VDP.FIRST SITE wines are brought to market one year after the harvest, following a longer period of ageing in wood. The name Kugelspiel presumably refers to an earlier bowling alley at the edge of the forest.
