Rotliegend(e) or Rotliegendes is a soil type found in Europe, divided into two groups: a Lower Rotliegend Group (mostly volcanic rocks: tuffs and basaltic lavas) and an Upper Rotliegend Group (sandstones and siltstones).

Karl-Heinz Wehrheim describes Rotliegendes as ‘an extremely barren and sandy soil characterized by weathered red slate, excellent soil for unique Rieslings, an at home in the Birkweiler Kastanienbusch. This Permian soil is rare in the Palatinate and is mainly found around the Hohenberg in Birkweiler. A special feature is the high, weathered red slate content, which makes the soil ideal as a basis for Rieslings.’