Location and landscape
Stein-Bockenheim is a municipality in Rheinhessen and lies in the Rheinhessen Switzerland landscape. There, the Rheinhessen hilly countryside merges towards the North Palatinate uplands. The regional conditions in Rheinhessen are characterised by comparatively low rainfall, long hours of sunshine and protection from moist westerly air masses.
Sonnenberg
The single site Sonnenberg belongs to the Rheinhessen wine-growing region, Bingen area, Rheingrafenstein region. It covers 130 hectares, lies at an elevation of 190 to 250 metres, and is oriented to the south-east. The name refers to the south-facing position of the vineyards.
Soils and wine style
At Sonnenberg, among other things, volcanic rock is documented beneath Braunerde. The shallow-rooted, very stony and sandy-loamy soil warms up well, is well aerated and rich in nutrients, yet stores little plant-available water. The wines described from this show mineral characteristics as well as notes of peach, apple and citrus, a lively, balanced acidity, a slender structure and potential for ripening.
Another soil type is the Rotliegend regosol from calcareous clay and fine sand. It is shallow to medium-depth, calcareous, stony and clayey, with low water retention and medium root penetration. For these plots, herbal, lightly piquant and floral notes, mineral components and aromas of peach, apricot and honeydew melon are described.
Historical evidence
Stein-Bockenheim was first mentioned in 784 as Buckenheim. According to the historical account, at that time two vineyards together with agricultural areas were given to the Abbey of Lorsch. For the year 1830, two Hessian Morgen vineyards are documented in the municipal area.
