Location and Geography
The Kirchenstück lies directly behind the church at the western edge of the village in Forst in the wine-growing region of Pfalz. The vineyard site covers around 3.67 hectares and is situated at an altitude of 120 to 140 metres. It is oriented to the east to south-east and has a gentle slope of around 5 to 10 per cent.
Microclimate and Soils
Sandstone walls and buildings store warmth during the day. As a result, in the evening a warm, dry air current develops, carrying away moisture and cold air. The soils consist of sandstone and weathered sandstone, basalt, limestone rubble, sandy loam, clay and loam. In parts of the site, around two metres below the surface there is a water-bearing limestone layer.
Grape Varieties and Wine Style
Riesling is documented in the Kirchenstück. The wines produced there are described as juicy, mineral and complex, and are suitable for long ageing. The VDP classifies the Kirchenstück in Forst as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®; this classification is a VDP classification and not a statutory German designation for wine.
Historical Context
In the past, the site was known by the name Kirchenbuckel and, at the beginning of the 19th century, belonged to the Prince-Bishopric of Speyer. In 1830, in the bayerian soil assessment mentioned, the Kirchenstück received a soil quality class of 65, the highest class recorded there. In the Federal German assessment regulation, Forster Kirchenstück is listed as a wine-growing assessment reference W 41.29 for the cadastral area Hinter der Kirche in the district of Bad Dürkheim.
