Location and orientation
The Wolfshöhle is located in the Steeger Seitental near Bacharach in the wine-growing region Mittelrhein. It runs from the Steeg-side entrance on the slope of the Voigtsberg to the western boundary of the Bacharacher Posten site. The distance to the Rhine is around 470 to 1,200 metres; there is no direct line of sight to the river.
Relief and soils
The south-facing to south-easterly oriented site is consistently steep. The classified area lies at 120 to 220 metres above sea level and has slope gradients of 60 to 65 per cent. The sheltered location in the side valley features slate soils that warm up quickly, consisting of medium-weight slate and crystalline slate. The parent rock is described as Devonian slate; locally, blue Devonian slate is interspersed with quartzite.
Classification and grape varieties
The area classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® covers 10.01 hectares. The entire GL WOLFSHÖHLE area is given as around 20 hectares. Riesling is designated for the classified site. In addition, wines made from Spätburgunder have been documented from the Bacharacher Wolfshöhle.
Wines and name
Documented wines include Riesling Spätlese and Grosses Gewächs. The wines from the site are described as full-bodied and ripe, and characterised as suitable for ageing. The name was first recorded in 1335 as “Wolfeshelden” and is interpreted as a reference to a slope that once belonged to a man named Wolf. For single-vineyard wines, grapes from selected plots are used, which can remain on the vines until late in the autumn.
