Pfalz Vineyards

A step towards a classification of the best vineyards in the Pfalz has been taken in 1997 by four leading estates: Weingut Dr. Bürklin-Wolf (Wachenheim), Weingut Christmann (Gimmeldingen), Weingut Koehler-Ruprecht (Kallstadt), and Weingut Georg Mosbacher (Forst). The four have classified some of the vineyards in which they have holdings as "erste Lage" ("first growth"). The classification is based on tax valuations from 1838. The wines sold under the designation of "Erste Lage" must satisfay the following requirements:
  1. The grapes come from the classified site to 100%.
  2. The grapes are 100% Riesling.
  3. Minimum must weight is 90 deg. Oechsle (12.2% pot. alc.)
  4. No Chaptalisation is allowed (i.e. no QbA).
  5. The wine is in dry style ("trocken").
  6. Maximum yield is 45hl/ha.
  7. The wine has passed a sensory evaluation.
  8. Quality oriented, selective harvest.

"Erste Lagen" of the Four Estates

Deidesheim: Hohenmorgen, Kalkofen, Langenmorgen.
Forst: Kirchenstück, Jesuitengarten, Ungeheuer, Pechstein, Freudenstück.
Gimmeldingen: Mandelgarten.
Kallstadt: Saumagen.
Königsbach: Idig, Ölberg.
Ruppertsberg: Geisböhl, Reiterpfad, Hoheburg.
Wachenheim: Goldbächel, Gerümpel, Rechbächel, Altenburg, Böhlig.

Vineyard Pictures


The Kallstadter Saumagen produced long lived, powerful Riesling from chalky soil.



The Forster Kirchestück has long been among the most valued vineyards in the Pfalz, and all of Germany.



The Forster Jesuitengarten adjacent to the Kirchenstück, and of similar quality



The Forster Ungeheuer (Forster Monster), Bismarck's favorite vineyard.



Deidesheim seen from the north. The soils are lighter than in Forst.



The top vineyards of Deidesheim lie on the slope close to the village


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