Location and Topography
Hölle is a vineyard site in Hochheim am Main in the wine-growing region Rheingau. It extends from the west side of the historic town area downhill towards the Main. The south-facing location lies at about 90 to 110 metres above sea level. The slope is typically 15 to 30 percent, reaches up to 32 percent in the upper area, and levels out towards the Main to approximately 6 percent.
Climate and Soils
The Taunus protects the vineyard site from cold or unfavourable weather conditions from northern directions. The nearby Main contributes to moderating temperatures and to warmth during the growing season. The soils consist of tertiary sediments, clay marl, loess and loess clay. In areas affected by the Main terraces, sandy and gravelly components occur. Water-bearing layers from underground outflows of the Taunus emerge locally as springs or spring horizons.
Grape Variety and Wine Styles
Riesling is the most important grape variety of the site and is classified as a VDP grape variety. The VDP lists Hölle as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®, which is a VDP classification and not a category under German wine law. Documented wines from Hochheimer Hölle include dry Riesling as well as Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese and Trockenbeerenauslese.
History and Documented Vintage
The site has been documented since the 13th century. In 1273, Hochheim including Hölle was transferred from the Cologne cathedral chapter to the Mainz cathedral chapter. The name Hölle is derived from the Middle High German term Halde for hillside or slope. A documented Hölle Riesling from the 2024 vintage by Weingut Künstler is dry, shows 1.9 grams of residual sugar and 6.8 grams of acidity per litre, and matured in stainless steel as well as in the large wooden cask; 30 percent accounted for the share from the large cask.
