Location and classification
Herzog is a legally registered wine-growing site in the Haardt district of Neustadt an der Weinstraße in Pfalz. The official directory of wine-growing sites lists the site under code 820908 and states that it has 31.2 hectares of planted vineyard area.
Topography and soils
The hillside, which is oriented to the east to the southeast, lies at approximately 157 to 200 metres above sea level and, according to the VDP, has an average slope of 15 per cent. The predominantly barren, stony soil consists of Haardt sandstone and Buntsandstein; in addition, hill deposits of gravel and sandstone fragments. At the edge of the Palatinate Forest, the forest provides shelter behind the vineyard site.
Grape varieties and wine styles
For Haardter Herzog, the VDP lists Riesling, Weißburgunder, Spätburgunder, Muskateller, Scheurebe, Rieslaner and Chardonnay as classified grape varieties. Documented cultivation in Herzog grows exclusively Riesling, along with a further Pinot Noir in an east-exposed parcel. The Herzog Rieslings are described as fresh and clear, with pronounced acidity and citrus and grapefruit aromas. The Pinot Noir shows red fruit and blossom aromas, subtle spice, fresh acidity and silky tannins.
Cultivation and ageing
In a Herzog vineyard, after flowering the yield is reduced manually in order to limit the amount harvested. A documented Pinot Noir parcel is picked by hand and further selected at the sorting table. The wine ferments spontaneously on the skins, with about 20 per cent whole grapes, and matures for twelve months in Palatinate oak piècen. Bottling takes place without fining and filtration using the gravity method. According to a producer booklet, the name Herzog goes back to a late medieval family name.
