Location and history
Benn is a single-vineyard site in the municipality of Westhofen in the Wonnegau and belongs to the large site of Bergkloster in Rheinhessen. The site was documented in 1348 under the name “an der bunden”. The name refers to enclosed private property.
Soil and cultivation
The regional site profile classifies the soil as loess-pararendzina, a calcareous soil formed from loess with clayey silt. The operator describes the soils as rich in lime. According to the operator’s information, Benn is Westhofen’s smallest site and a monopoly owned or farmed by the Wechsler family over several generations. The Riesling vines are about 55 years old.
Riesling and vinification
The operator assigns Benn to characterful Rieslings. A product description cites pronounced mineral influences and aromas of yellow fruit. The Benn Riesling is designated as a German quality wine from Rheinhessen and was spontaneously fermented in stainless steel.
Organic viticulture
During the winery’s transition to certified organic viticulture, the Benn monopoly was farmed without herbicides and other chemical agents.
