Location and Classification
Johannisberger Goldatzel is a registered single vineyard in the Johannisberg district of Geisenheim in the winegrowing region Rheingau. The vineyard site lies above the old village centre of Johannisberg and below Schloss Hansenberg.
Topography and Climate
The site extends to around 220 metres above sea level and has a gentle south-easterly orientation. The slope is protected from excessively cold winds and warms up quickly in the morning despite its height. Strong warming in the late afternoon helps to preserve the freshness of the wines.
Soil and Grape Variety
The soils are partly made up of deep, stony-gravelly loam over quartzite, as is described for Johannisberg. The planted grape variety recorded is Riesling. The site was documented around 1340 under the historical name Atzelheide.
Wine and Cultivation
Wines from the Goldatzel are described as having an intense character, diverse fruit and spice notes, freshness and balance. Cultivation includes compost and manure applications as well as site-appropriate green cover between the rows of vines. Treatments with copper and anti-botrytis agents are avoided, as are herbicides whenever possible. The grapes are hand-harvested and picked selectively if needed. The must is transferred to the press by gravity and pressed gently. Fermentation takes place without restraint; ageing and maturation take place, depending on the wine style, in stainless steel tanks or in traditional piece casks with a capacity of 1,200 litres.
