Location and climate
Mölsheim is an Rheinhessen local municipality. The town lies on a north-facing slope exposed to the sun, which has repeatedly been documented as being at risk of landslides. Rheinhessen has an average annual temperature of about 9.9 °C, an average temperature during the growing season of about 14.6 °C, around 500 mm of annual precipitation, and approximately 650,000 Wh/m² of direct sunshine during the growing season.
Vineyard sites and soils
The Mölsheimer Silberberg lies at an altitude of about 190 to 275 metres and is oriented from south-east to south-west. The 271-hectare site features deep, calcareous loess-pararendzina with loamy silty soil, good water-holding capacity for plants and good root penetration. As part of the Wonnegau, it belongs to the Großlage Domblick and is designated as a single site for Mölsheim.
The Zellerweg am Schwarzen Herrgott extends at an altitude of about 100 to 275 metres with a south-south-easterly orientation and comprises 56 hectares. Documented are loess-pararendzina as well as marl-pararendzina; the marl is described as a deep, calcareous clay soil from tertiary marine deposits. Another profile lists limestone as the subsoil.
Viticulture and microclimate
Along the Zellerweg am Schwarzen Herrgott, persistent light valley winds ensure accelerated drying of the grapes. Cooler night air flows through the valley and creates large differences between day and night temperatures. For the site classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®, Riesling and Spätburgunder are listed; the regional site profile describes there mineral Rieslings and Pinot Noirs.
Historical references
Mölsheim is documented in the Lorsch donation records from 771 under the name Meldrisheim. The Zellerweg am Schwarzen Herrgott appears in 1307 as an Seller Weg. The present name refers to a wayside cross associated with the holy Philipp of Zell. In addition, the site includes a round tower from 1884 and a building with a mansard roof dating from the 1920s.
