The numerous walls that cross the VDP.GROSSE LAGE® BERG ROTTLAND store warmth. The site lies above Rüdesheim at the foot of the Niederwalddenkmal monument on the majestic Rüdesheimberg at 100 to 150 metres a.s.l. Facing completely south, the 15 to 50 percent grade slope is fully exposed to the abundant sunlight of the broad Rhine Valley. The rocky, skeletal soil has a high share of red slate and occasional appearance of grey slate, quartzite, and pebbles and partial covering with a shallow layer of loess. The soil warms easily and gradually releases these temperatures to the vines. The good drainage and low water storage capacity of the rocky subsoil makes it prone to drying. The fog banks that form in the Rhine Valley promote noble rot. Even in average years, Spätlese and Auslese of high quality are harvested. Predominantly Riesling and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) grow here.
Information: The name stems from the Middle High German terms “reten” and “rotten”, which mean to clear or to deforest. Between the years 1031 and 1051 the Archbishop of Mainz bequeathed this area to the Rüdesheim vintners with permission to clear the fallow land.
