Location in the Middle Rhine Valley
Niederheimbach is located on the left bank of the Rhine opposite Lorch, at the mouth of the Heimbach, and at the foot of the Soonwald slope. The municipality belongs to Middle Rhine and lies in the narrow Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Bingen and Koblenz.
Vineyards and soils
The vineyards are on the slopes above the settlement in the steep, narrow valley landscape. For the sites Froher Weingarten, Reifersley and Schloß Hohneck, schistous loam soils are described. The sandy to clay loams extend from medium to deep, store water moderately to well, and show medium permeability, good aeration and good ability to warm up.
Grape varieties and wine style
At Froher Weingarten, Riesling and Portugieser are documented. The Portugieser grapes were picked by hand in 2021. Wines from the schistous loam sites are described with notes of peach and apricot, a fruit acidity that is initially firm and becomes rounder as it ripens, mineral notes, body and potential for ageing.
History of viticulture
Viticulture on the slopes above Niederheimbach has been documented since 1075. Traces of settlement extend from the late Bronze Age via Celtic settlement to Roman activities from the first century onwards. Historical records concerning the Heimburg also mention the ripening of wines from the associated vineyards in the cellars of the castle.
