Location and classification
The Kapellenberg lies north of Münster-Sarmsheim towards Bingerbrück in the wine-growing region Nahe. The VDP-classified area covers 37.00 hectares and is classified as VDP.ERSTE LAGE®. This classification is not a statutory German vineyard designation.
Terrain, soil and climate
The vineyards are oriented to the south to south-west, lie at an altitude of 130 to 190 metres and have a slope of 20 to 50 percent. Documented soils include quartzite, partly with red slate, as well as weathered quartzite with loess clay. The lower Nahe valley near Bingerbrück is regarded as comparatively cool; orientation, sheltered sites and the proximity to the Nahe can there favour warmer vineyard microclimates.
Grape variety and wine styles
For the Münster-Sarmsheim Kapellenberg, Riesling is classified. Documented wines from the Kapellenberg include dry Riesling as well as Kabinett, Spätlese and Trockenbeerenauslese.
Name and documented vinification
The name refers to a chapel or a wayside shrine that used to stand at the site. A historical Nahe wine-growing map from 1901 depicts the site. For a documented Kapellenberg Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese from the 2011 vintage, raisin-like berries were harvested over several days from mid-October, selected again in the evenings, then crushed and destemmed, macerated for twelve hours, pressed and fermented with pure yeast at 20 °C.
