Location and context
The Hölle bears the official name Johannisberger Hölle. It is a single site in the Rheingau and lies in the wine-growing region of Johannisberg in Geisenheim. The vineyard extends along the slope of Johannisberg towards the Elsterbach.
Climate and soils
The site is sheltered from the wind and receives full sunshine in the open Rhine plain. In the early evening, cool air flows from the nearby forest through the Elsterbachtal over the vineyards. The south-south-westerly orientation, an altitude of about 140 to 150 metres and a slope gradient of 20 to 40 percent shape the topography.
As soils, weathered Taunus quartzite and stony, gravelly loam are described, with good water-holding capacity. In addition, clay and loess soils are found, as well as mixed soils with gravel and stones.
Vines and wine style
For the area classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® measuring 5.41 hectares, Riesling is designated. The wines of Johannisberger Hölle are described as fresh and lively, with fine acidity and a mineral character.
Name and history
The name Hölle is derived from Halde in the sense of a steep slope, not from heat. The site has been documented since about 1180 in the form “helda in monte sancti Johannis” or “Helda in Monti Sanctis Johannis”.
