Location and Classification
Spieß is a vineyard site in Ruppertsberg in the wine-growing region Pfalz. In the official directory of vineyard sites, the site is listed under vineyard site number 820521 within the Großlage Hofstück. According to the 2024 edition, the planted vineyard area is 4.1 hectares. The VDP lists Ruppertsberger Spieß as VDP.ERSTE LAGE®, with a classified area of 7.18 hectares.
Climate, Terrain and Soil
The vineyard sites of Ruppertsberg, including Spieß, lie in the shelter of the Haardt and, according to the municipality, benefit from a mild climate. The terrain is oriented north–south as well as east–west, lies at an elevation of 135 metres and has a slope angle of 3 percent. The soil is described as stony sand with slope rubble of Buntsandstein at the edge of the Haardt.
Grape Variety and Wine Production
As the classified grape variety, Riesling is specified. A documented Ruppertsberger Riesling from the sites Reiterpfad and Spieß is vinified dry and described as saline; Buntsandstein and limestone are named as contributing soils. Fermentation takes place with natural yeasts. Afterwards, the wine matures at 40 percent in large wooden barrels and at 60 percent in stainless steel with extended full-yeast contact.
Historical Name Form
The site name is documented around 1400 in the historical form “an dem Spisz”. It refers to the pointed shape of the parcels behind a fork in a path near a stone cross.
