Location and history
Ludwigshöhe is a winegrowing municipality in Rheinhessen between Mainz and Worms near the River Rhine. The municipality is situated on the historic route of travel between Mainz and Worms, today the federal highway B 9. It developed from Rudelsheim, which previously lay closer to the Rhine. After severe flooding, resettlement to Ludwigshöhe began in 1822 and lasted until 1830.
Vineyard sites and soils
The Honigberg belongs to the Nierstein sub-region, to the Großlage Krötenbrunnen and to the Einzellage Honigberg. Its Rigosol soils consist of gravel, sand and loam and are described as glacial river deposits. The medium-deep, stony sand and loam soil is well-drained and aerated, low in nutrients and only stores water to a limited extent.
The Teufelskopf lies west of the town, in an easterly direction. The site covers 32 hectares, is at around 91 to 160 metres above sea level, and has a slope gradient of 15 to 25 per cent. It belongs to the Nierstein sub-region, to the Großlage Vögelsgärten and to the Einzellage Teufelskopf. Predominantly white grape varieties grow there, including Riesling and Grüner Veltliner.
Climate and wine style
For Rheinhessen, the following averages are given: an annual temperature of 11.1 degrees Celsius, rainfall of 530 millimetres, around 280 days of the growing season and 1,970 hours of sunshine per year. The Honigberg is characterised as a site influenced by Pinot, with a stronger reference to red wine styles. The Teufelskopf's loess soils are deep, calcareous, rich in nutrients and can store plant-available water. With them, wines are associated that are rather light, refreshing and gently acid, with medium structure and fruity aromas.
