Location and districts
Eltville am Rhein lies between Rüdesheim and Wiesbaden at the foot of the Rheingau Hills. The town is situated on a terrace about 90 metres above the Rhine. In addition to the core town, the municipality includes the districts of Erbach, Hattenheim, Martinsthal and Rauenthal.
Viticulture and vineyards
The wine-growing region is shaped by a mild Rheingau climate, a sunny position and south-facing slopes. The important grape varieties are Riesling and Spätburgunder; in addition, still wines and sparkling wines are produced. The vineyards mentioned include the Eltviller Sonnenberg, the Erbacher Marcobrunn and the Rauenthaler Baiken.
Soils and wine character
The vineyards feature different types of soil. In the Rauenthaler Baiken, the medium- to deep-rooting soils are made of phyllite. The wines produced from this are described as having mineral acidity and a wide variety of aromas.
History and adaptation
Eltville has been linked to the production of wine and sparkling wine for centuries. Matheus Müller began producing sparkling wine here in the mid-1830s using the Méthode champenoise; later, Schloss Vaux moved its seat to Eltville. In viticulture, among other things, chestnut and quince trees are planted between the vines in order to limit evaporation, improve the soil’s ability to store water and promote biodiversity. Further measures include dry-stone walls, heaps of stones, hedges, ground cover plants, insect hotels and nesting boxes.
