Location and landscape
Erbes-Büdesheim lies west of Alzey in Rheinhessen Switzerland, in the winegrowing region Rheinhessen, at about 250 metres above sea level. The village is situated in a flat hollow on a geological block between the valleys of the Upper Selz and the Wiesbach. It lies on the Vorholz peninsula, which remained largely above sea level some 40 to 30 million years ago.
Climate and soils
The vineyards benefit from the conditions typical of Rheinhessen, with low rainfall, long sunshine duration and a long growing season. The Geisterberg and Vogelsang sites feature Rotliegend-Rigosol, with calcareous loam and fine sand. In addition, Vulkanstein-Braunerde occurs, which is associated with dark volcanic lava from the Rotliegend. The shallow to medium-depth, stony soils that warm well differ here in their sandy-loamy character and in their aeration.
The vineyards
Geisterberg and Vogelsang are documented vineyard names in the Qualitätsweinbaugebiet Rheinhessen, Bereich Bingen and Großlage Adelberg. The Geisterberg is already recorded as early as 1756 as being behind the Geister Mühl; the name refers to the nearby Geister mill. Vogelsang is attributed either to an earlier clearing using the slash-and-burn method or to the occurrence of various bird species.
Wine profile and history
The Rotliegend-Rigosols are associated with lively acidity, mineral, herbal and finely spiced notes, as well as aromas of peach, apricot and melon. The Vulkanstein-Braunerde soils stand for vivid mineral character, peach, apple and citrus fruit, balanced acidity and a slender structure. A documented wine from the Vogelsang site is a delicately off-dry Spätburgunder Blanc de Noir Qualitätswein. Erbes-Büdesheim was first mentioned in a document on 2 to 4 January 767; archaeological evidence shows settlements from the Neolithic, the Iron Age, the Roman period and the Frankish period.
