Location and Classification
Goldberg is a single-vineyard site in Gau-Algesheim in the Bingen area of Rheinhessen. The collective vineyard site is Abtey. The locally defined site covers around 45 hectares and lies at an elevation of about 100 to 230 metres. It has an east-northeast and southwest aspect; for the most part, it is exposed to the southwest, allowing the vines to receive sunlight until late evening.
VDP Classification and Soils
The VDP classifies the Gau-Algesheimer Goldberg as VDP.ERSTE LAGE. The classified area comprises 13 hectares, lies at an elevation of 150 to 210 metres, has a slope gradient of 5 to 20 per cent and a western aspect. Riesling is classified as the grape variety.
The soils consist of limestone, calcareous marl, calcareous clay and loamy clay. Heavy sandy loam with calcareous marl and calcareous clay is also described. The marl is traced back to tertiary marine deposits associated with a limestone algae reef and contains a high proportion of limestone.
Riesling and Naming
Goldberg Riesling is associated with pronounced minerality and tension; dry Rieslings are also documented. The name Goldberg officially refers to the highly valued character of the soil and not to gold mining or the presence of a precious metal deposit.
Cultivation and Maturation
For plots of the Knewitz winery in Goldberg, the switch to organic viticulture has been documented; the first organic vintage was planned for 2023. For a documented Goldberg Riesling of the 2020 vintage, there was a short period of skin contact, gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation in traditional wooden casks, and bottling at the beginning of June 2021.
