Location and Surroundings
The Ungsteiner Herrenberg is located near Bad Dürkheim in the Pfalz. The vineyard site comprises 28.6 hectares and lies between the areas of Michelsberg and Weilberg. It is on a south-easterly sloping hillside at an altitude of around 120 to 180 metres.
Climate and Soils
The site runs parallel to the Pfälzerwald, which reduces the influence of cold air. Sandstone walls are characteristic; individual parcels are additionally protected by walls and hedges. The subsoil is described as consisting of Terra Rossa, limestone and loess. The documented soils range from calcareous colluvium with sandy to silty-sandy loam to at least 100 centimetres in depth.
Grape Varieties and Wine Style
In producer parcels of the Ungsteiner Herrenberg, Riesling, Weißburgunder, Scheurebe and Pinot Noir are cultivated. The Rieslings from this site are associated with a fresh, fruity and powerful expression. Further descriptions mention mineral freshness, a fine expression of fruit, pronounced body and ageing potential.
History and Winemaking
The name Herrenberg is attributed to the Counts of Leiningen, who were historically connected with Hardenburg. In the royal Bavarian state assessment of 1828, the vineyard was recorded as an outstanding, or first-class, site. A documented Scheurebe parcel is hand-selected and left on the mash for several hours before fermentation. A documented Pinot Noir is hand-harvested, fermented spontaneously on the mash and matured for around 14 months in French barriques.
