A total of fifteen grape varieties flourish on 52 acres of Fitz-Ritter vineyards. The noble Riesling constitutes 65% of the total production; other white grape specialties of the winery are Gewürztraminer, Grauer Burgunder (Pinot Gris), Weisser Burgunder (Pinot Blanc) and since 1993 Chardonnay.
Dürkheimer Michelsberg
Vineyard Size: 1.7 acres
Grape Varieties: Riesling
The calcareous-marl soil of the Michelsberg produce elegant wines with ripe fruit and a delicate finish. The vineyards on this former glacier island to the east of Bad Dürkheim have a southern exposure and are errected on multiple sand stone terraces, construced many centuries ago. This provides for a frost protected, breezy microclimate as the walls absob the suns rays during the day and emmit wamth over night. The Michelsberg is the oldest documented vineyard in the entire Pfalz region, and dates back to 1155.
The vineyard "Dürkheimer Abtsfronhof" is in sole posession of the Fitz-Ritter winery. Due to its historic background and the unique microclimate that shapes the character of these wines, this plot was recognized as a distinct "Einzellage" (monopol) in 1970/71 despite its small size of only 7.9 acres. The Abtsfronhof is located in the center of Bad Dürkheim, bordering the town's recreational park and the saline building.
The microclimate of the Abtsfronhof is protected by the high trees of the spa park. Delicate, mineral-style white wines grow here due to the chalky soil. The Gewürztraminer and Riesling from this vineyard are estate favorites with touches of exotic fruits and delicate in structure.
The Abtsfronhof was originally owned by the Limburg Monestary, an 11th century Benedictine Abbey in Bad Dürkheim. During the era of secularization following Napoleon's reign, the Abtsfronhof was purchased at auction in Mainz on April 26, 1808 by an ancestor of the Fitz family, mill owner Peter Wernz. The next year his daughter married the estate owner of what now is Fitz-Ritter and brought the Abtsfronhof vineyard into the winery as her dowary.
Dürkheimer Hochbenn
Vineyard Size: 10 acres
Grape Varieties: Riesling
Our most important vineyards
Please click on one of the following vineyard names for details
The highest elevated section of the Ungsteiner Herrenberg is the "Kanzel" vineyard (engl. "lectern"). Supported by up to 15- foot -high sand stone walls, the Kanzel towers majestically above the surrounding countryside. For centuries this vineyard has produced Riesling grapes of exquisit quality. In contrast to the predominant mottled sandstone in this area, the Herrenberg's soil is uniquely characterized by a finely textured red loam sprinkeled with white limestone.
This terroir lends the Herrenberg the soil conditions for producing highly destinctive wines: fresh, full bodied Rieslings characterized by an unmistakable minerality and charming fruitiness. These attributes contribute to the remarkable longevity of the Herrenberg and Kanzel Rieslings.
The Spielberg is widely known as a prime Riesling terroire and is among the few Pfalz vinyards that were declard by the German Winegrowers association VDP as qualified for growing the highest classification of wines, the "Grosse Gewaechse". In 1992, as one of the first winerys in Germany, we have cultivated the Chardonnay grape here since its legalization in Germany. Our Spielberg Chardonnay has been referred to as "one of the best of the Pfalz" by renowned publications. (Echelmann Wine Guide 2005 & 2006)
