single vineyard in the municipality of Nierstein in the German wine-growing region of Rheinhessen. It was already mentioned in a deed of donation in 742 and is therefore considered the oldest vineyard site in Germany. According to tradition, the bells ringing from a church over the vineyard inspired the name. It was mentioned as "Clegken" in 1141. The south-facing vineyard at 90 to 130 metres above sea level with a slope of 5 to 15% covers just 2.11 hectares of vines, which have been completely enclosed by a wall since 1761 (see under Clos). The soils consist of loess on red clay slate (Rotliegend) with sandy loam and have excellent water retention capacity. The Riesling and Pinot Noir varieties are cultivated here. The site has been the sole property of the Staatliche Weinbaudomäne Oppenheim (predecessor Hessische Weinbaudomäne) since 1925.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien