Location and Classification
The single vineyard Altenberg is located in the municipality of Hillesheim in Rheinhessen, between Hillesheim, Dolgesheim, Wintersheim and Dorn-Dürkheim. It is assigned to the Nierstein area and the Krötenbrunnen grand cru; as both a municipality and cadastral district, Hillesheim is listed.
Relief and Soils
The vineyard site extends at an altitude of about 160 to 230 metres. Its exposure ranges from west to north. Löess over pararendzina and marl over pelosol have been documented.
Area and History
The regional site profile lists around 95 hectares for Altenberg; in the official vineyard register for the 2024 harvest, 97.1 hectares of planted vineyard area are recorded. The name has been documented since 1618 as being in the old Berg. The site is in the oldest part of the Hillesheim cadastral district and is connected with a fossil site above Dorn-Dürkheim, at which 80 species of vertebrates, including prehistoric horses, were found.
Soil-Related Wine Styles
For löess and pararendzina, yellow-fruited wines are described with hints of apple, peach, pear and citrus, as well as a slender, refreshing style and moderate structure. The marl-pelosol soils are associated with fuller, dense and rich wines, moderate acidity, a creamy texture and ripe fruit notes such as mango, apricot and melon.
