The VDP.GROSSE LAGE® SCHLOSSBERG is a very steep slope on the Burgberg above Castell. The slope falls from 390 to 300 metres a.s.l. at a 40 to 70 percent gradient and faces south and west. It is protected in the north and east by a forest, which is further enhanced in the convex south facing section of the slope. The 5 hectares of vines root in skeletal soils of Gipskeuper marl with high gypsum and alabaster content and blue slate clay layers. The humus-rich top layer is shallow and forces vines to thrust their roots directly into the rock below. Predominantly Silvaner and Riesling (particularly in the convex slope section) are planted here. History: The two main fortresses of the Dukes of Castel once stood here. Duke Heinrich II and Herman II divided their family estate around the year 1266. Documentations of the division of their holdings include the first mention of the important vineyards in Castell.
