Geographical classification
Alsenz is listed as a reference location in the geographical description of the protected designation of origin Nahe. The area extends into the valleys of the tributaries Alsenz and Glan and lies partly in the North Palatinate Uplands. The Nahe region therefore also includes the Alsenz valley.
Location: Elkersberg
The Alsenzer Elkersberg is a 1.5-hectare, basin-shaped slope facing south-southwest. It is sheltered from the wind and features long periods of sunshine. The soil consists of very stony clay slate weathering material.
Vine cultivation and Riesling
Riesling is documented for Elkersberg. The Rieslings produced there are described as dry wines with a pronounced mineral character shaped by slate. For many years, the site was left uncultivated, which meant that its traditional name was temporarily no longer familiar. The name Alisencia for Rieslings from Elkersberg refers to the Roman settlement Alsenz.
Cultivation and maturation
The winery associated with Elkersberg reports ecological cultivation, strict selection in the vineyard and exclusively hand harvesting. The Rieslings ferment in wooden casks and receive a restrained fermentation management as well as longer contact with yeast. Clarification, pumping and filtration are used only in a limited way.
