Location and extent
The Elsheimer Bockstein is a single vineyard site in the Elsheim district of Stadecken-Elsheim in the Niersteiner sub-region of Rheinhessen. The site comprises 142 hectares and is located near the Selz and the Selztal cycle route.
Topography and soils
The vineyards lie at elevations of 130 to 230 metres, facing south. The core parcel, known as “Im Bockstein”, is described as a relatively steep south-facing site with a gradient of around 35 percent. The Bockstein comprises loess and pararendzina soils, as well as calcareous clay and Terra fusca from tertiary marine deposits. In the core parcel, limestone from a coral reef lies beneath the Terra fusca; the topsoil there contains around 40 percent limestone.
Climate and grape varieties
The Bockstein valley is described as a wind corridor towards Mainz. As a result, the grapes ripen there about ten days later than in the Elsheimer Blume. The Riesling and Spätburgunder varieties are considered characteristic.
Wine style and vinification
Wines from the Elsheimer Bockstein are associated with delicate fruit notes and refreshing mineral acidity. An Elsheimer Bockstein Riesling from Weingut Eppelmann is vinified dry and shows a salty, mineral character stemming from Terra fusca. The wine is designated as German Qualitätswein Rheinhessen and as wine from a single vineyard site.
For a 2021 Elsheimer Bockstein Spätburgunder from the “Im Bockstein” parcel, certified sustainable and organic cultivation, hand-harvesting, a carbon dioxide must blending with 25 percent whole berries, remontage, and 18 months’ ageing in used Burgundy barriques and an unfiltered bottling at the winery are documented.
