Location and Wine Region
The Phöbener Wachtelberg is located in Phöben, a district of Werder an der Havel in Brandenburg. The vineyard belongs to the cultivation region Saale-Unstrut, whose wines can be produced as quality wines under German wine law. The site is described with a view over the Havel.
Site and Soils
The vineyard is situated on an end moraine with a fairly steep hillside facing south-southeast. The documented clay soil and the very northern location near the 52nd latitude determine the conditions; unfavourable weather and the clay soil affected the early yields.
History and Grape Varieties
Vine growing at the site was replanted in 1996. The earlier wine-growing history of the surrounding area is associated with the Cistercian monastery of Lehnin. The Poel family took over the vineyard in 2011 from the Lehmann family. On the previously planted Dornfelder, Regent, Pinot Blanc and Merzling, Souvignier gris, Riesel and Trollinger were added following the expansion.
Cultivation and Wines
The vineyard, which is around one hectare in size, comprises about 3,800 vines. The wines are marketed under the name Kagelwit. Since 2012, the grapes have been processed in a press house operated jointly by several winegrowers in Werder, in which the Poel family is involved. Cellar work also includes the shared monitoring of fermentation together with the Lindicke family. The harvest is carried out largely with the help of wine friends as well as wine godmothers and wine godfathers.
