Location and Classification
Herrenberg, Maximin Grünhaus, is a vineyard site in Mertesdorf in the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer winegrowing region Mosel. The contiguous site lies on the left bank of the Ruwer, about two kilometres from its confluence with the Mosel. Herrenberg is a monopoly of Maximin Grünhaus and is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®.
Topography and Soils
The vineyard is oriented to the south-east and lies at around 190 to 280 metres above sea level. The slope gradient is approximately 20 to 65 per cent. The area covers roughly 19 hectares, of which 19.37 hectares are classified VDP sites. The documented soil is red Devonian slate.
Climate and Cultivation
The Grüneberg forest protects Herrenberg to a large extent. Compared with the nearby Abtsberg, the site is less steep and cooler; the surrounding forest contributes to climatic variation within the vineyard. Maximin Grünhaus cultivates the monopoly sites with natural ground cover from wild herbs and grasses, as well as intensive leaf-work.
Grape Varieties and Wine Style
For Herrenberg, Riesling and Pinot Blanc are listed as classified grape varieties. The wines are described as juicy, slightly off-dry and classically styled, with pronounced minerality and an elegant, creamy finish. Fruit and herb aromas make them accessible at a comparatively early stage; at the same time, they have considerable ageing potential.
History and Maturation
According to information from the winery, viticulture at the site dates back to Roman times. In the 10th century, Grünhaus was documented as an economic estate of the Benedictine monastery of St. Maximin in Trier and remained almost for a millennium associated with the monastery. The estate was secularised and sold in 1811, acquired in 1881 by Carl Ferdinand Freiherr von Stumm-Halberg and then, through marriage, passed into the family of Schubert. The grapes are taken to the press within a few minutes; the must ferments with naturally occurring yeasts. Where possible, fermentation takes place in small individual casks; with sufficient quantities of harvest, also in traditional 1,000-litre wooden foudres. Premium classifications mature in wood.
