Location and classification
Johannisberg is an officially registered single vineyard site in Gau-Algesheim in the Bingen area within the Großlage Abtey in Rheinhessen. The registered vineyard area covers 101.9 hectares. The terrain runs from the north-west to the south-east and lies at 180 to 240 metres above sea level.
Soils
The site includes calcareous marl soils and fertile loess soils. Documented are shallow to medium-depth, stony, sandy-loamy calcareous Rendzinas from calcareous marine deposits, as well as deep, fertile and calcareous loess-Pararendzinas. In one parcel, there is a very shallow loess layer over the limestone bedrock.
Grape varieties and wine styles
The classified grape varieties listed are Riesling and Spätburgunder. In addition, Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder, Chardonnay and Kerner are grown. Johannisberg is associated with delicate-fruited white wines and fruity rosé wines. Wines from calcareous soils are described as mineral, chalky, lively and structured; those from loess as fruity, juicy and moderately structured.
History and winemaking
The name is associated with the former Benedictine monastery Johannisberg in the Rheingau. Its monks are said to have owned vineyards in today’s Gau-Algesheim and to have named the site after their patron saint. Johannisberg is registered in the Rhineland-Palatinate vineyards register as a single-vineyard site name for geographical indications, and classified by the VDP as VDP.ERSTE LAGE. A documented Spätburgunder parcel is located on a terraced slope with very low water supply; the grapes were selectively hand-picked. The wine was fermented with wild yeasts in open vats, pressed by hand at the crushing stage, matured for 18 months in French and German oak barrels, and bottled unfiltered.
