Location and classification
The Heiliger Blutberg is a single vineyard site in the Weinheim district of the city of Alzey in the Wonnegau, in the region of Rheinhessen. It belongs to the Großlage Sybillenstein and is listed in the wine-growing sites directory of Rhineland-Palatinate under number 730713. The vineyard area is not shown there due to it being owned exclusively by a winery.
Terrain and soils
The site, which is oriented to the south to south-west, comprises terraces with numerous dry-stone walls. Light sand-loam soils characterise the site at the surface; beneath that lies dark volcanic melaphyr from the Rotliegend. The regional classification of wine-growing sites lists loess and colluvial soils (Kolluvisol) with a humus-rich topsoil and good root penetration.
Climate and cultivation
The site is described as comparatively cool and relatively dry. The microclimate of the terraces encourages early bud-burst in spring. Parts of the site have vines more than 60 years old that extend deep into the volcanic subsoil. Cultivation includes extensive manual work and hand harvesting.
Grape variety and wine style
For the Heiliger Blutberg, Riesling is documented, including old Riesling vines for the winery’s single-vineyard wines. The wines are described as using integrated acidity, with yellow-fruit notes of apple, pear and peach, as well as chalky and smoky hints. They also feature a slim, linear structure and a medium body; the winery’s Rieslings are also considered mineral, fruit-forward and herbal, with lively acidity and potential for ageing. The site is documented in 1521 under its historic name uff dem Heiligenberg. From 1826, according to the owner’s information, it was newly developed with dry-stone walls, terraces, soil replacement and a cellar building under Joseph A. Emele.
