Location and aspect
Bernstein is documented as Engehöller Bernstein in Engehöll, a side valley of the Rhine near Oberwesel. The valley extends from Oberwesel to the Engehöll district. The vineyard site lies on a south-facing slope in a side valley running east to west. The VDP gives a south-south-easterly aspect for Engehöller Bernstein; at Am Lauerbaum it is oriented to the south.
Relief and soil
The Engehöller Bernstein lies at an elevation of 70 to 200 metres above sea level and has slope gradients of 60 to 70 percent. The central cadastral area Am Lauerbaum is located within the site and is given as 80 to 170 metres, with a slope gradient of 65 to 70 percent. Geologically, brown and grey Devonian slate shapes the vineyard site.
Climate and cultivation
The amphitheatre-like form creates warmth during the day. Elevated points in the surrounding area protect against strong winds and support a long, even growing season. Because of the steep slopes, tending and picking require a considerable amount of manual work.
Classification and wines
The VDP classifies Engehöller Bernstein with 4.81 hectares as VDP.ERSTE LAGE®; Bernstein–Am Lauerbaum is classified with 2.54 hectares as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®. The classified grape varieties listed are Riesling and Spätburgunder. A documented Grosses Gewächs, Bernstein Am Lauerbaum, consists of 100 percent Riesling. Wines from Engehöller Bernstein are described as rather slender, light and restrained, with aromas of white peach; at Am Lauerbaum an pronounced mineral character, intensive aromas and long-lasting freshness are shown. The site Am Lauerbaum was recorded in 1803 in the Prussian wine-growing classification as one of the three highest-rated sites in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. For wines from the Lanius-Knab holdings, to which Bernstein belongs, gentle pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless-steel tanks and subsequent ageing in old wooden barrels are documented.
