Location and classification
Höllenbrand is a single vineyard site in the municipality of Gundersheim in the Wonnegau. It belongs to the collective vineyard area Bergkloster in Rheinhessen and is classified by the VDP as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®. The classified area covers 9.00 hectares.
Relief and climate
The slope, terraced across its width, is predominantly oriented to the south, according to VDP information from south to south-west. It lies at around 180 to 200 metres above sea level and has a slope gradient of 15 to 20 percent. The south-facing slope is considered a hot site; at the same time, the altitude and the slope angle make the site relatively wind-exposed and cooler than less exposed locations.
Soils and wines
Höllenbrand is on tertiary marine deposits of a calcareous algae reef. Documented are calcareous rendzina and calcareous clay, also known as Terra fusca. The soils range from shallow to medium-deep, stony, calcareous sandy loam to medium- and deep-rooting, stony calcareous loam; in addition, natural springs are evidenced in the vineyard soils. The site is farmed for full-bodied wines, often also for red wines. The calcareous soils are associated with mineral, chalky white wines, while calcareous clay favours fuller, ripe and complex wines. As classified grape varieties, the VDP lists Pinot Noir and Riesling.
Historical names
The site name was documented in 1437 as in dem hilprant and in 1710 as im Höllenrand.
