Location and classification
Eselspfad is a single-vineyard site in Appenheim within the Bingen area and the grand cru Abtey in Rheinhessen. In the wine-growing sites register, the site is listed under code 710103 for the municipality of Appenheim. According to the 2024 harvest report, the vineyard area is 32.8 hectares.
Topography and soils
The south-easterly to south-south-easterly exposure lies at elevations between 180 and 240 metres above sea level. The slope is 10 to 30 percent. The subsoil consists of limestone with a slight covering of loess loam. In addition, described are calcareous loam, clay and, in places, calcareous fine sand, as well as the soil types loess-Pararendzina and limestone-Rendzina. The limestone is attributed to tertiary marine deposits in connection with a calcareous algal reef.
Grape varieties and wine style
The important grape varieties are Riesling, Weißburgunder and Silvaner. For the 24-hectare, privately classified VDP.ERSTE LAGE®, Riesling, Weißer Burgunder, Spätburgunder and Chardonnay are named. The regional site area links the wines with fruit, minerality, volume and a creamy texture.
History
Eselspfad was first mentioned in official records in 1375. The name refers to narrow paths that were previously used by donkeys to transport grain to mills and are linked to Appenheim’s former milling activity. For a documented Weißburgunder from the 2021 vintage from the Hofmann winery, a late selective harvest, mash contact time overnight and spontaneous fermentation in French Sylvaner-barriques are evidenced.
