Location and municipality
Gau-Odernheim is a municipality in Rheinhessen in Rhineland-Palatinate and comprises the locality of Gau-Köngernheim. The municipality is located in the Selztal valley near the Petersberg, which rises to about 246 metres and is linked with the winegrowing sites of Gau-Odernheim.
Viticulture and single vineyards
Viticulture in Gau-Odernheim has been documented since the year 850. The single vineyards Fuchsloch, Herrgottspfad, Vogelsang and Ölberg belong to the Großlage Petersberg in the Nierstein area within Rheinhessen.
Soils and wine character
Fuchsloch lies at about 160 to 186 metres and has sites from east to south-west. Its marl and loess soils are said to produce dense, full-bodied wines with balanced acidity; for white wines, ripe tropical fruit profiles are described, and for red wines dark fruit and smoky spice. Herrgottspfad extends from about 160 to 246 metres and is predominantly south-facing. On its marl-pelosol, full-bodied Rieslings with a high potential for ageing are produced.
The Gau-Köngernheimer Vogelsang lies at about 175 to 200 metres with an eastern aspect. Its loess soil is associated with comparatively light, fruit-forward wines, freshness, moderate structure and mild acidity. Ölberg ranges from about 150 to 188 metres and is predominantly oriented from south-west to south-east. Its marl-pelosol is associated with full-bodied, dense wines with moderate acidity, a creamy texture and ripe fruit.
Historical background
The settlement initially bore the name Otternheim and was renamed Odernheim in 1282 following the acquisition by Rudolf of Habsburg. From 1286 to 1579, Odernheim had the status of a Free Imperial City. The name Herrgottspfad goes back to historical religious processions that led to the summit of the Petersberg on church holidays. Fuchsloch is documented in 1466 as “daz fuszloch”, Ölberg in 1501 as “an dem oleyberge” and Vogelsang in 1744 as “am Vogelgesang”.
