Early Mass in Alsheim
The Early Mass is a legally registered single vineyard in the Alsheim municipal area. It belongs to the Nierstein area and to the Großlage Rheinblick in Rheinhessen. In the vineyard register, it is listed under site number 720802.
Location and Soils
The vineyards are located at approximately 90 to 165 metres above sea level and are oriented from south to east. The soil consists of calcareous loess, or pararendzina. It is deep-rooting, loamy to clayey-silty, calcareous and capable of storing water.
Cultivation and Wine Style
The planted vineyard area amounts to approximately 205 hectares according to the regional site profile; the 2024 vineyard register shows 202.5 hectares. In the Early Mass, various grape varieties from Rheinhessen are grown, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder, Frühburgunder, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Dorsa.
The regional character of the site is described as having aromas of yellow fruits, apple, peach, pear and citrus fruits, as well as with mild acidity and medium structure.
Name and History
The name is documented for the first time in 1721 as “zur Frühmeß”. According to information from the regional wine-growing administration, grapes and wine from the site apparently served as payment for a priest or chaplain for the celebration of an early mass.
