Location and classification
The Gewürzgärtchen is an officially registered single vineyard in the Bingen district in Rheinhessen. It lies within the collective vineyard of St. Rochuskapelle in the municipality and cadastral district of Horrweiler. In the vineyard register, the site is listed under number 710619; the 2024 yield register shows a planted area of 133.6 hectares.
Soil and cultivation
The south-facing hillside has deep, calcareous clay soils with a high proportion of clay that can hold water. The soil classified as a Mergel-Pelosol originates from calcareous, clayey deposits from the Tertiary Sea. It has a high nutrient content and a very high level of lime, restricted water and air permeability, medium heat-retaining capacity, and difficult root penetration.
For the Gewürzgärtchen, permanent sward cover and the sowing of winter plants are described. In the Horrweiler vineyards, cultivation also includes manual work such as reducing yield, as well as maintaining grass or naturally occurring vegetation between the vine rows. These measures are intended to reduce erosion and support soil biology, the formation of humus, and the resilience of the vines.
Grape varieties and wine style
Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon are named as grape varieties suitable for the Gewürzgärtchen. A winery from Horrweiler documents wines with the designation Gewürzgärtchen from Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Spätburgunder.
The wines from the site are described as dense and creamy, fruit-forward and moderately high in acidity. The aromatic profile includes ripe fruit with hints of mango, apricot and honeydew melon; the wines show less minerality and a full-bodied finish.
Name and wine law
The name Gewürzgärtchen refers to the former use of the area as a herb garden. As a registered single vineyard, the designation may be used under German wine law, within the framework of a regulated geographical indication for suitable quality wines.
