Location and wine-growing region
Obernhof lies on the Lahn in the Lahn Valley, a sub-region of the wine-growing region Mittelrhein, and is the leading municipality of the Lahn Valley district. Together with Weinähr, Obernhof forms the Großlage Obernhofer Lahntal. The vineyard slopes are considered to be climatically favoured and well exposed to the sun.
Obernhofer Goetheberg
The Obernhofer Goetheberg is the single vineyard site of Obernhof. The south-facing steep slope extends to within about 100 metres of the Lahn, lies at around 100 to 200 metres above sea level, and shows an average slope gradient of 50 to 65 per cent. Surviving slate terraces bear witness to the former site Schreiberlay; individual plots were cultivated again after a phase of abandonment.
Soils and grape varieties
The Goetheberg is shaped by slate. In the lower third of the eastern area, greywacke clay rubble occurs, which can store more water and has a less acidic soil reaction. Riesling and Spätburgunder are designated on the Goetheberg; in addition, Müller-Thurgau, Weißburgunder and Regent are grown in Obernhof and on the Goetheberg.
Wines and wine-growing history
Goetheberg Rieslings are described as juicy, mineral, slender and focused on acidity, often with aromas of native fruits. Documented wines include dry Riesling, dry Spätburgunder, Müller-Thurgau and a Riesling Sekt. Winegrowing in Obernhof has been documented since 1370; a deed from 1393 mentions tithes and vineyards. Among the more recent measures are replanting an earlier site, rebuilding a greywacke vineyard wall and creating a wire trellis framework.
