Location on the Rhine
Nierstein is a wine-growing town in the subregion Rheinhessen on the Rhine. The Rote Hang stretches between Nierstein and Nackenheim. Its steep slopes are predominantly oriented to the south to the south-east; near Nackenheim they run initially eastwards and then, at Nierstein, southwards.
Rote Hang and soils
The Rote Hang consists of red slate and sandstone of the Rotliegend. The red colouring is attributed to iron compounds formed around 280 million years ago. The Nierstein formation forms a red layer at least 770 metres thick; its rock stores heat and, in its properties, is compared to slate. The Rhine reflects sunlight to the vineyards, while the red rock holds the heat into late autumn.
Vineyard sites and grape varieties
The Rote Hang includes Nierstein single vineyard sites such as Hipping, Orbel, Heiligenbaum and Ölberg. Riesling is the most important documented grape variety in the area and also makes up the majority in the VDP.GROSSEN LAGE Hipping. Hipping lies at about 80 to 174 metres above sea level; the slope gradient falling towards the Rhine is 60 to 120 per cent. The Rieslings from the Rote Hang are described as having a mineral character from the Rotliegend soils.
History of the Glöck
Nierstein was first mentioned in a document in the year 742. For the site of the later Glöck, a hill vineyard is recorded for 1406. In the VDP documentation, the Glöck is named as the site that appears in the oldest documentation of German vineyards. The historic stone wall encloses the site and, according to the German Wine Institute (Deutsches Weininstitut), contributes to its local microclimate. It is planted mainly with Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
