Location and classification
The Reichskeller is a single site in the cadastral district and in the municipality of Frei-Laubersheim. The site belongs to the winegrowing region of Bingen and to the Großlage Rheingrafenstein in Rheinhessen. In the official vineyard sites directory for 2024, it is listed as a single site under number 710520.
Topography and soil
The vineyards are located at around 200 to 290 metres above sea level and have been turned from an easterly orientation to a north-easterly one. The soil is classified as volcanic rock/Rigosol. It consists of light-coloured igneous Rotliegend rock, referred to as rhyolite, as well as of a shallow to medium-deep, stony sandy loam Rigosol. The profile shows a medium level of water storage available to plants, good aeration, low nutrient content, an acidic reaction, good warming potential and a medium level of rooting depth.
Vine area and wine character
The vineyard area covers, according to the regional site profile, around 13 hectares; the 2024 vineyard sites directory lists 13.3 hectares of planted area. With the Reichskeller, pronounced mineral, stony, smoky and flinty notes, as well as aromas of apple, peach and citrus fruits, are associated. The described structure shows lively freshness, distinctive acidity and a layered profile that needs time to ripen.
Meaning of the name
The name Reichskeller is explained in connection with earlier ownership as imperial property. The component “Keller” may refer to a wine cellar, a potato or turnip storage mound located between the vineyards, or earlier settlement remnants.
