Location and Classification
The Kahlenberg is a formally registered single vineyard site in the wine-growing region Nahe, the Nahetal area and the Großlage Kronenberg. The site belongs to Bad Kreuznach and its cadastral district. In the 2024 register of vineyard sites, 16.7 hectares of vineyard area are recorded under vineyard site number 510118. For the first time, the Kahlenberg was mentioned in writing in 1499 as a vineyard site.
Topography and Soil
The south-facing hillside site northwest of Bad Kreuznach has a slope of approximately 10 to 40 percent. Depending on the information provided, the vineyards lie at about 135 to 160 metres, or 140 to 155 metres, above sea level. Recorded soils are stony loam or loam with a proportion of stones. For the classified parcel Im Kahlenberg, locally outcropping Rotliegend sandstone is also mentioned.
Grape Varieties and Wine Style
Riesling is the documented, classified grape variety of the Bad Kreuznacher Kahlenberg. Descriptions attribute to the wines a spicy style, a mature body and a harmonious acidity; they are associated with dry wines. In the VDP parcel Im Kahlenberg located within the site, Riesling and Spätburgunder are listed as the most important grape varieties, with Riesling there being considered the classified grape variety.
Classification and Maturation
The Bad Kreuznacher Kahlenberg is classified by the VDP as VDP.ERSTE LAGE. The separate parcel Im Kahlenberg bears the designation VDP.GROSSE LAGE; according to the VDP, the legal approval to use this name of the site has not yet been completed. For the Kreuznacher Kahlenberg Riesling from Dönnhoff, selective hand harvest, yields of about 45 to 50 hectolitres per hectare, and vine ages of approximately 25 to 45 years are documented for the stated vintages. Fermentation and maturation take place in large wooden casks and in stainless steel tanks.
