Location and Geology
The Heiligenpfad is a registered single vineyard in Wendelsheim, in the wine-growing area of Bingen and in the Adelberg region of Rheinhessen. The south-facing site covers 66 hectares and lies at an elevation of 190 to 230 metres.
The subsoil consists, among other things, of dark volcanic lava from the Rotliegend (Permian), which is classified as volcanic rock over brown earth (Braunerde). In addition, calcareous loam and fine sand deposits from the Upper Rotliegend occur, which are classified as Rotliegend over Rigosol. Weingut Bäder refers to the black volcanic rock as melaphyre.
Cultivation and Grape Varieties
Weingut Bäder describes its plots on the Heiligenpfad as cool, lean and stony, and cultivates its vineyards, including this site, organically. For the location, Weingut Meitzler lists Riesling, Merlot and Regent as particularly suitable grape varieties.
Documented Wine
From Frühburgunder, Weingut Bäder produces a dry Heiligenpfad red wine. The 2018 vintage is described as intense and full-bodied, with aromas of dark berries, herbs and vanilla, as well as fresh acidity. It was fermented on the skins for four weeks and then aged in new and used barriques.
Name and Classification
The name of the site is documented for the year 1654 as “uff dem heiligen Pfade”. The regional wine authority associates it with a path to the Beller pilgrimage church and a holy figure on the path. In the official wine site directory of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Heiligenpfad is listed as a wine-growing site (Weinlage) in Wendelsheim.
