Location and extent
Röttgen is a vineyard site near Winningen, extending across the municipal cadastral areas of Winningen and Koblenz-Güls. The vineyard area is given in a municipal publication as 10.6 hectares, of which 4.8 hectares lie within the area of Koblenz-Güls.
Topography and climate
The site is characterised by steep, south-southeast-facing terraces, which are supported by dry stone walls. They lie at an elevation of about 80 to 180 metres above sea level; the hillside gradients are given as 100 to 170 percent. A hot microclimate and the sheltered location in a slight hollow define the site.
Soil type and grape variety
Röttgen has blue slate, which can develop yellow-brown colouration through oxidation of iron. The thin layer of soil consists predominantly of sandy slate with quartzite veins; from the upper parts of the slope, loess is also added. As a classified grape variety, Riesling is specified. The classified area is 11.35 hectares.
History and designation
The name Röttgen is derived from the German term for clearing, or land that has been cleared. According to a municipal account, the area was cleared of hedges and trees in the early 19th century in order to establish a vineyard. In the 1820s, the steep rock face was blasted and developed into a vineyard. Röttgen is listed as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® in Winningen. For grapes from the Koblenz city area, from the 2026 vintage onwards the designation Winninger Röttgen may no longer be used; Koblenzer Röttgen or Gülser Röttgen are intended.
