Location and landscape
Nies'chen is a vineyard site on the edge of the wine village of Kasel in the Ruwer valley and forms part of the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer growing region. The hillock facing south and south-west lies at an elevation of 195 to 260 metres; its slope gradient is 40 to 57 percent.
Climate and soils
The upper plots are shaped by the cool Ruwer climate, cool winds and intensive sunlight. The warmer lower slope benefits from the balancing influence of the Mosel. Blue and grey slate determine the site, whose upper areas are described as particularly well-drained.
Grape variety and wine style
For Nies'chen, Riesling is documented. The Rieslings are described as strongly mineral, often with a peach-like character and, as they age, increasingly marked by notes of blackcurrant; at the same time, they have a firm acidity. A documented Nies'chen Grosses Gewächs from the 2016 vintage was dry, showed Ruwer minerality, a fine yet expressive structure and a long finish.
Cultivation and classification
Nies'chen is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® in Kasel. Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt and Karthäuserhof work the site. The members of the Weinmanufaktur Kasel farm the vineyards there and pick the grapes by hand before delivering them for processing to the cooperative. The name Nies'chen is described as a diminutive form of Agnes and may possibly be associated with Abbess Agnes of the St. Irminen convent.
