Location and classification
The Kieselberg is an officially recognised single vineyard in Biebelsheim, in the Bingen sub-region of Rheinhessen. The associated Großlage is St. Rochuskapelle. The vineyard lies in the western Rheinhessen area near the border with the wine-growing region of Nahe.
Relief and soils
The site extends roughly from 125 to 200 metres in altitude and is oriented to the north-east. It includes a stony plateau; the soil structure changes from the valley floor up to the hilltop. Löess and pararendzina have been documented. The calcareous, deep and loamy löess contains clayey silty material, while the higher areas are characterised by terrace gravel and numerous stones. On the plateau there is sandy loam and also sandy loam over löess; towards the valley floor, deeper loess soils occur.
Grape varieties and wine style
Riesling and Spätburgunder are considered the characteristic grape varieties of the Kieselberg. In producer plantings in the site, Weißburgunder, Chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau, Dornfelder, Huxelrebe, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot have also been documented. Riesling from the stony plateau is described as lean, fruity and filigreed. The loess and pararendzina soils are associated with fresh, medium-structured wines with a fruit-forward character.
Naming
The name Kieselberg refers to the predominantly stony soils of the site, particularly to the terrace gravel in the higher areas.
