Location and Classification
Authental is a legally registered single vineyard site in the municipality and cadastral district of Guntersblum. It is located in the Nierstein area in Rheinhessen and forms part of the Großlage Vögelsgärten. The official wine-growing site number is 721101; in the 2024 register of wine-growing sites, 9.7 hectares were planted with vines.
Relief, Climate and Soils
The site is situated on the Rhine terrace. A documented plot lies on a small elevation with a southerly aspect and is bordered by hedges. It warms up strongly during the day, is largely protected from wind, and cool nights result from cold air flowing downhill.
In regional terms, the soil profile is classified as loess over pararendzina. It formed from calcareous wind-blown sediments deposited during the Ice Ages. For a documented plot, a small proportion of limestone and a thick layer of loess loam are also described.
Grape Varieties and Wine
For the vineyards on the Rhine terrace, Silvaner, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Pinot grape varieties are cited as the most important grape varieties. A documented Authental plot is planted at approximately half with Riesling and half with White Pinot.
From this site, a dry Riesling as Guntersblumer Authental Riesling trocken is documented. The grapes for this plot were hand-harvested and selected; short bunches with small berries were used.
Designation
The regional wine-growing sites authority derives the name Authental from the Middle High German word uhte meaning night pasture.
