Location and Size
Himmelthal is an officially designated single vineyard area in the Nierstein region and belongs to the Großlage Vögelsgärten. It lies in the cadastral area of the municipality of Guntersblum in Rheinhessen. In the 2024 vineyard directory, 48.6 hectares of planted vineyard area are recorded.
Topography and Climate
The site is among the comparatively higher-lying vineyards and features stronger sunshine exposure. A documented parcel belonging to Weingut Lamberth is oriented from east to southeast and is located on a south-east-facing slope at the edge of Guntersblum. There, early morning sun and strong warming in the morning provide favourable ripening conditions.
Soils and Grape Varieties
For Himmelthal, loess-pararendzina and loess-black earth are mentioned. The calcareous loess-pararendzina is a deep, light loam with clayey silt, high water-retention capacity and good root penetration. For a documented parcel, a thin layer of loess loam over solid limestone is described. The documented grape varieties include, among others, Pinot Gris, Frühburgunder (early Pinot noir), Schwarzriesling, Dornfelder, Merlot and Silvaner.
Wine and Cultivation
The soils are associated with fruit-forward wines, mild acidity and medium structure. A documented Silvaner vintage from 2023 is listed as a dry quality wine, a site wine and a white wine. For the Himmelthal Merlot from Weingut Lamberth, spontaneous fermentation, ageing in large oak casks or in barriques, and extended lees ageing are documented. The estate also states selected parcels, low yields and extensive hand work; to protect the vines from starlings, a device for deterring them with loud noises is used on the site.
