Location and classification
Hölle is a legally registered single vineyard (Einzellage) in the Niederhammersteiner cadastral area of Hammerstein. It belongs to the wine-growing region Mittelrhein, to the Loreley area, and to the large vineyard (Großlage) Burg Hammerstein. The 2024 vineyard directory lists it under the site number 320103, with 5.8 hectares of planted vineyard area.
Topography and soil
The flat site lies near the Rhine at about 60 metres above sea level, between the federal highway B42 and the local road that runs through Hammerstein. The soil is described as strong, slightly calcareous loam, which is partially interspersed with slate and has a high water-retention capacity.
Grape varieties and wine style
The site is considered particularly well suited to Burgundian varieties, including Pinot Blanc (Weißburgunder). In addition to Hammersteiner Hölle, Riesling, Dornfelder and Würzer are also documented. A dry Pinot Blanc from the site was described as fruity, slender and lively; the wines are also characterised as fruity-spicy and intensely aromatic.
Name and documented vinification
The name Hölle is probably derived from the Old High German terms “halda” or “helda” for slope or hillside. For a roughly one-hectare Pinot Blanc parcel, a selective harvest of fully ripe and healthy grapes is documented for the 2007 vintage on 10 and 11 October, at 70 hectolitres per hectare. The grapes were processed quickly, the must was clarified, and it was fermented for three weeks at a constant 18 °C.
