Altenberg
The Altenberg is a legally recognised single vineyard site in the municipality of Hillesheim, in the Nierstein sub-region of Rheinhessen. The single vineyard belongs to the Großlage Krötenbrunnen and lies between Hillesheim, Dolgesheim, Wintersheim and Dorn-Dürkheim.
Location and soils
The 95-hectare site is located at around 160 to 230 metres above sea level. Its aspect turns from west to north. The Altenberg comprises loess over pararendzina as well as marl over pelosol. Loess forms deep, fertile, clayey-silty soils with good water storage available to plants and good root penetration. Marl over pelosol consists of deep, calcareous clay with swelling clay, restricted water flow and aeration, as well as more difficult root penetration.
Wine style
The loess and pararendzina areas are associated with wines with yellow fruit, and notes of apple, peach, pear and citrus, moderate structure, mild acidity and comparatively early readiness to drink. The marl and pelosol areas stand for more full-bodied, dense and substantial wines with moderate acidity, a creamy texture and ripe fruit notes of mango, apricot and honeydew melon.
Historical classification
The site has been documented since 1618 under the name in der alten Berg and is located in the oldest part of the Hillesheim cadastral district. A variety of grape varieties is documented for the Altenberg.
