Location and landscape
Stift is a wine-growing site in Forst in the Palatinate. The vineyards lie immediately to the east of the village and extend as flat areas at an altitude of about 110 to 120 metres.
Soil and grape varieties
The soil consists of a mixture of sand and loam, including loamy sand and sandy loam. Weathered red sandstone is given as the geological subsoil. The site, which covers around 55.5 to 56 hectares, is planted with Riesling, Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Silvaner, Gewürztraminer, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and Dornfelder. In the Alser area, Gewürztraminer is traditionally grown.
Wine character
The proximity to the village supports the ripening of the grapes, a balanced acidity and the development of aromas. The wines are described as fragrant and floral, with ripe fruit and a balanced acidity. Gewürztraminer from the Alser area shows itself as spicy, with a rose-like bouquet.
Name and classification
The name of the site refers to earlier holdings of the St.-Guido Monastery in Speyer, documented since 1231. The 21.25-hectare portion, which is recorded as Forster Stift, is classified as VDP.ERSTE LAGE®.
