Right where the VDP.GROSSE LAGE® STEIN (Stetten) is located, the Main valley is bordered by vertical shell lime river banks. Above these steep slope, around 80 metres beyond the river Main the vineyards begin and rise to 130 metres (280 m.a.s.l.) at a very steep 50 to 75 percent gradient. The micro climate of the 15-hectare GL STEIN is marked by the warm air masses that rise up the rocky slope by a natural thermal lift, bringing the warm air from the rocks into the vineyards and spreading it even to the upmost vines. The soil is dominated by weathered shallow shell limestone. The skeletal layer below, makes it hard for the vines to build deep roots. It takes years for them to grow into the rock and reach the precious minerals and nutrients.
