Location and Municipality
Freimersheim is an Ortsgemeinde in the south-west of Rheinhessen in the district of Alzey-Worms in Rhineland-Palatinate. The municipality lies around six kilometres south-west of Alzey at an altitude of about 296 metres and covers 6.41 square kilometres. Its cadastral boundary adjoins the Palatinate and the Donnersberg district.
Climate and Vineyard Sites
As part of Rheinhessen, Freimersheim is located in a sheltered wine-growing region with an average annual temperature of 11.1 °C, annual precipitation of 530 millimetres and a growing season of 280 days. The Einzellage Freimersheimer Frankenstein comprises 13 hectares and belongs to the Wonnegau area as well as the Sybillenstein region.
Soils and Aspect
The Frankenstein extends from 180 to 270 metres above sea level. To the north of the municipality, the exposures range from south to east, and to the south of the municipality they are oriented towards the east. The soils consist of limestone and rendzinas from tertiary marine deposits associated with a limestone-rich reef. They are shallow to moderately deep, strongly calcareous and stony-sandy, with good aeration and a strong ability to warm up.
History and Wine Style
Freimersheim was first mentioned in 763, when Ratbald donated four Morgen of arable land in Frimersheim to the Lorsch monastery. A historical municipal seal shows 1.09 Morgen of vineyard area for 1863 and describes wine-growing at the time as a minor special crop. For wines from the Freimersheimer Frankenstein, citrus, apple and gooseberry aromas are described, which can develop into mango and passion fruit; in addition, balanced acidity as well as mineral and chalky characteristics.
