Location and landscape
Orbel is a classified vineyard site in the area of Nierstein in the wine-growing region Rheinhessen. It lies above the Nierstein district of Schwabsburg and forms the south-western boundary of the VDP.GROSSE LAGE vineyard sites along the Roter Hang ridge.
The steep site, facing south to south-east, extends from 99 to 165 metres above sea level. Slopes of up to 60 per cent are documented, as well as a slope range of 70 to 90 per cent. The high amount of sunshine is balanced by cool air supplied from the Rhine.
Soils and grape variety
Orbel is associated with the crimson red Rotliegend, which gives the Roter Hang its name. As soils, loess and colluvium, as well as Rotliegend-Rigosol, are documented. Rotliegend-Rigosol is described as calcareous, stony and clayey loam with limited water storage available to plants and good heat absorption.
Riesling is the documented primary and classified grape variety. The area classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® comprises 9.07 hectares.
Wine profile and history
The Rotliegend-Rigosol soils are associated with mineral components, pronounced fruit aromas, lively acidity and a potential for long ageing capability. The place name Orbel is first recorded in the Nierstein local chronicles in 1386.
Cultivation
For its own vineyards, including Riesling from Orbel, the Raddeck winery documents that since 2003 it has carried out controlled organic cultivation as well as yield reduction.
