Location and climate
Biebelsheim is located in the western part of the wine-growing region Rheinhessen, close to the border with the wine-growing region Nahe. Rheinhessen is regarded as a warm, dry wine-growing area, protected by surrounding hill ranges. The region has an average annual rainfall of around 550 millimetres, an average annual temperature of 9.9 °C and 14.6 °C during the growing season.
Vineyard sites and soils
The Biebelsheimer Honigberg covers 38 hectares, lies at an altitude of about 120 to 165 metres and is oriented to the north-west. Its soil consists of calcareous marl-clay with Pelosol, as well as of loess-derived Pararendzina. The marl is linked with calcareous clayey deposits from the Tertiary sea; the Pelosol is deep, nutrient-rich and strongly calcareous, but shows limited drainage and aeration.
The Biebelsheimer Kieselberg extends over 71 hectares at about 125 to 200 metres and is oriented to the north-east. Loess-derived Pararendzina dominates there; in the higher areas, terraced gravel is also found. Both vineyard sites are official single-vineyard sites in the wine-growing region of Bingen, belong to the Großlage St. Rochuskapelle and lie within the cadastral area of Biebelsheim.
Grape varieties and wine style
For the Kieselberg, among other varieties, Riesling and Spätburgunder are documented. In various areas, Weißburgunder, Chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau, Dornfelder, Huxelrebe and other grape varieties are also grown. On the Honigberg, Würzer, Frühburgunder, Spätburgunder and Bacchus are recorded.
The loess and gravel soils of the Kieselberg are associated with slender, refreshing and finely fruity wines; Riesling from the stony plateau is described as fruity and filigreed. The calcareous marl and loess soils of the Honigberg stand for fuller, fruit-forward wines, including fruit-forward cuvées and Spätburgunder.
Historical development and wine law
Biebelsheim has been documented since around 1200 and initially belonged to the County of Falkenstein. In 1667 the town fell to Lorraine, in 1740 to Austria and was occupied by France at the end of the 18th century. After French rule, Biebelsheim came to the Grand Duchy of Hesse in 1816. Since 1901, the municipality has been independent following the dissolution of the former mayor’s office Biebelsheim–Ippesheim. Biebelsheim falls within the scope of the protected designation of origin Rheinhessen.
