Location and Classification
Bockstein is a single vineyard within the Groß-Winternheimer cadastral area of the municipality of Ingelheim am Rhein. It belongs to the Bingen area and to the Großlage Kaiserpfalz in Rheinhessen. The vineyard site lies near the Selz and the former military road.
Topography and Soils
The south-facing site extends over about 10 hectares at an altitude of 145 to 225 metres. Part of the area is described as a stony south slope with gradients of up to 45 percent and numerous dry-stone walls.
Loess-pararendzina and marl-pararendzina have been documented. The marl consists of calcareous loam and sand in connection with tertiary marine deposits; in addition, tertiary limestone is mentioned as the bedrock of the vines.
Grape Varieties and Wines
Riesling is regarded as one of the defining grape varieties of the Groß-Winternheimer Bockstein. In addition, Spätburgunder and Silvaner from the site are documented. The wines include Riesling and Spätburgunder; for Bockstein Spätburgunder, high ripeness, structural intensity and development potential are described.
History and Cultivation
In the past, Bockstein belonged to the Speyer cathedral chapter, which established it as a vineyard. Historical descriptions praised the site as early as that time. The name is associated with the former military road and with the earlier practice of carrying loads on one’s back.
A winery operating in the site has been cultivating its vineyards organically since 1993, implements measures to promote biodiversity and beneficial organisms, and has refrained for more than 30 years from chemically synthetic fertilisers and plant protection products. The grapes are gently hand-harvested there and selected.
