The VDP. GROSSE LAGE® HEERKRETZ is among the most highly elevated sites of Rheinhessen. The vineyard slopes toward the south and southeast at 180 to 280 metres a.s.l. and a gradient of 30 to 60 percent. The HEERKRETZ GL is quite craggy and possesses several convex swales and wind-exposed slope parcels. The site is completely exposed to the Appelbach Valley weather to the southwest. The soil structure is dominated by rhyolite and parts of the slope exhibit melaphyric rock and limestone bands. The HEERKRETZ GL is planted predominantly with Riesling and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir).
History: The name comes from “Kratzen” (to scratch) and highlights the difficult labour required in the vineyards. “Heer” (army) points to the old soldier road in the valley at the foot of the vineyard.