Location and classification
Heerkretz is a single vineyard site in Rheinhessen, connected with Siefersheim and Neu-Bamberg. The site is also known as Siefersheimer Heerkretz and Neu-Bamberger Heerkretz. It belongs to the Rheingrafenstein collective vineyard site and to the sub-region of Bingen. In the VDP, Heerkretz is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®; the classified vineyard area comprises 17.27 hectares.
Topography and climate
With elevations of around 160 to 280 metres, Heerkretz is among the highest-lying vineyard sites in Rheinhessen. The slopes, which are predominantly oriented from southeast to southwest, have gradients of about 25 to 45 percent; individual areas reach 30 to 60 percent. Basin-like sections alternate with open, wind-exposed slope areas. The adjacent Appelbachtal valley makes the southwest side particularly exposed to the weather. For the vineyards near Siefersheim, a cool climate is described.
Rock and soil
The parent rock is formed mainly by rhyolite and porphyry, a light volcanic rock of the Rotliegend. In addition there are melaphyric rocks, bands of limestone, scree slopes and former quarries. The soil is shallow to medium-deep, stony and sandy loam, and is classified as volcanic soil, or Rigosol. It is low in nutrients, acidic, well ventilated and warms up easily. The hard rhyolite and porphyry rock makes cultivation difficult; the interpretation of the name links “Kretz” to the scraping of the ground.
Grape varieties and wine style
As classified varieties, Riesling and Pinot Noir are intended. The wines are attributed with pronounced mineral, stony, smoky and flinty notes, as well as aromas of citrus fruits, apple and peach. They show a lively freshness, a racy acidity and a structured style that needs ripeness. The name “Heer” refers to an earlier Heer road at the foot of the site. Up until the 1990s, the area had largely been abandoned and overgrown; afterwards selected winemakers began restoring plots, dry-stone walls and the surrounding viticultural landscape.
