Location and classification
The Dellchen is a vineyard site classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® in Norheim in the Nahe wine-growing region Nahe. It lies between Norheim and Niederhausen on the River Nahe. The VDP.GROSSE LAGE® is a private classification by the VDP and not a designation regulated by wine law.
Terrain and soils
The extremely steep vineyard, oriented to the south, has a slope gradient of about 50 to 70 percent and lies at an altitude of around 140 to 200 metres. Steep terraces are framed by rock outcrops and dry-stone walls. The soils consist mainly of grey slate with a porphyry overlay; loamy gravel soil has also been documented. Slate is mixed with stony weathering material from adjacent volcanic porphyry and melaphyre.
Climate and cultivation
The surrounding rock outcrops protect the site and contribute to a long ripening period for the Riesling grapes. Rock exposures and dry-stone walls absorb warmth during the day and release it again at night. The documented cultivation of grape varieties includes Riesling. For the Dellchen Riesling by Dönnhoff, selective hand-harvesting, a vine age of about 15 to 30 years and a yield of around 40 hectolitres per hectare for the 2018 vintage are given.
History and wine style
Because of its steepness, the vineyard was reportedly neglected for a long time. The name Dellchen refers in the local dialect to small hollows between the volcanic rock formations. Dönnhoff, according to its own information, acquired roughly one hectare in 1992, planted new vines in 1994 in the upper part, and planned in 2022 the restoration of a further 35 to 40 ares of historically overgrown land. From the Dellchen, dry Rieslings are produced, including VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS®. The dry Riesling by Dönnhoff is described as having juice and depth, as well as a fine, precise structure and a saline character. Historically, Kabinett-, Spätlese- and Auslese-Rieslings have also been documented.
