Location and classification
Honigberg is a single site within the collective site of Abtey in the Bingen sub-region in Rheinhessen. It lies within the municipality of Nieder-Hilbersheim on the Westerberg, between Appenheimer Hundertgulden and Nieder-Hilbersheimer Steinacker. The regional wine portal gives an area of 21 hectares, while the VDP specifies 6.00 hectares for the classified area. Honigberg, Nieder-Hilbersheim is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®; the classified grape variety stated is Riesling.
Climate, relief and soils
The south-westerly-facing site is at an altitude of 190 to 240 metres and has a slope of 30 to 50 per cent. The microclimate is described as warm, wind-protected and calm, enabling consistent ripening. The upper part is very warm, while the lower part is cooler and ripens more slowly.
The soils consist of tertiary limestone with calcareous clay and visible ironstone. Mergel (marl) and Pelosol are also described from calcareous clay deposits of the Tertiary Sea, as well as calcareous clay soils and Terra fusca from marine deposits of a calcareous algal reef. In the lower part there are limestone, clay and chalk, while in the upper part there are iron-rich tropical soils and ironstone.
Vines and wine production
Alongside Riesling, Weißburgunder and Chardonnay are also mentioned in the Honigberg plantings. A planting established in 2022 comprises 8,000 vines per hectare and comes from a selection of massal stocks from an older vineyard. Older vines planted in 2004 are described as having Alsatian genetics. For a Honigberg Riesling, in 2024 a yield of 20 hectolitres per hectare, a harvest on 17 October at 93° Oechsle, as well as gentle pressing and spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts in traditional wooden barrels were documented.
Style of the wines
The wines are characterised as structured and spicy, with clear minerality, substance, tension, fine exotic character, a salty long finish and pronounced complexity. A Honigberg Riesling from the 2020 vintage was described as dry, medium-bodied and shaped by fresh acidity, subtle salty minerality and a creamy texture.
Historical designation
Honigberg is first documented in 1740 under the designation “zu Hönnigen”. The name is associated with early plantings of grape varieties that are described as Hun(n)ic. Today, Riesling is regarded as the most important grape variety in the named Honigberg parcel.
