Location and History
The gentleman’s vineyard is located in Schönberg, an administrative part of Bensheim in the Hessische Bergstraße. In the past, the site was owned by the Counts of Erbach-Schönberg.
Site
The south-facing vineyard is situated in a sheltered side valley surrounded by forest. The highest point is at around 205 metres. The soils consist of sand, gravel and clay.
Grape Varieties and Wine Style
For the Schönberger Herrwingert, VDP Riesling, White Burgundy (Weißer Burgunder) and Grey Burgundy (Grauer Burgunder) are grown as classified grape varieties. In addition, a new 0.5-hectare Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) planting has been established in the largest contiguous vineyard area. Kloster Eberbach produces a Schönberger Herrenwingert Weißburgunder Sekt brut from grapes grown in the site.
Cultivation and Classification
One operator reports that in his vineyards, including the plantings in the Herrenwingert, he forgoes herbicides and promotes diverse flora and fauna. The VDP classifies the Schönberger Herrenwingert as VDP.ERSTE LAGE®; this classification is a private VDP classification and not a statutory German vineyard designation.
