Location and Classification
The Goldberg is located in the municipality of Osthofen in the Wonnegau, a subregion of Rheinhessen. As a single vineyard site, it is assigned to the Großlage Pilgerpfad in the Wonnegau area of the Qualitätsweinbaugebiet Rheinhessen. The municipality and cadastral district of Osthofen are registered.
Terrain and Soils
The vineyards are situated at around 92 to 131 metres above sea level. The aspect varies from south towards east. The soil consists of loess over pararendzina, which formed from calcareous dust deposited during the ice ages. It is calcareous, deep, well-rootable and water-retentive. The Goldberg is described as a limestone site; a documented parcel by Karl May includes calcareous marl and limestone.
Vines and Wines
For the 2024 harvest, 60.3 hectares of planted vineyard area are recorded. Riesling is documented as the main variety; in addition, Chardonnay and other varieties are grown. Goldberg wines are associated with cool, saline mineral character, notes of yellow fruit reminiscent of apple, peach, pear and citrus, refreshing acidity and a medium to strong structure. A wine from an original Goldberg parcel by Karl May is a dry Riesling.
History and Cultivation
The Goldberg has been documented historically since 1837; at that time, its protected location and ripening advantages were recorded. On the hill, a chapel dedicated to St Remigius has been attested since the sixth century; in the eleventh century a parish basilica was built there. For the documented Karl May Riesling, spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel as well as maturation on fine lees until bottling are specified. The relevant parcel has yields of 15 to 30 hectolitres per hectare and vine ages of 25 and 36 years.
