Location
Johannisberg lies above Wallhausen in the Nahe region, in a sheltered side valley of the Nahe, the Gräfenbachtal. The classified vineyard area covers 12 hectares.
Climate and Topography
The Soonwald protects the site, which lies in the rain shadow of the Hunsrück. For Wallhausen, a mild climate is described, with comparatively moderate winter temperatures. The south-facing parcels lie at about 210 to 300 metres above sea level and have a slope of 40 to 55 percent.
Soils and Cultivation
The geological subsoil consists mainly of Rotliegend and slate. Lying on top of this are, among other things, grand sand and gravelly loam; as the main soil, red slate from the Rotliegend is summarised. The steep, terraced parcels were reorganised by cross-terracing as part of a land consolidation scheme until about 2011 and were partly brought back into use. For cultivation, narrow-track tractors are documented, which can be used directly on the terraces.
Variety and History
Riesling is the classified and predominant grape variety in the Johannisberg land consolidation area. Some vines are up to 65 years old. According to the VDP, the south-facing orientation and steepness provide very high exposure to sunlight and give the wines strength. Johannisberg is documented in an inventory of the Lords of Dalberg from the 12th century; in addition, archaeological finds from the Roman period are mentioned. The site is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®.
