Three wine sites in Rheinhessen
The name Kirchberg refers to three distinct single vineyard sites in Rheinhessen: the Frei-Laubersheimer Kirchberg, the Gabsheimer Kirchberg and the Hackenheimer Kirchberg. They are not listed as a contiguous wine-growing site.
Site and soils
Frei-Laubersheim and Hackenheim lie in the Bingen area and in the Rheingrafenstein region. Their deep, strongly calcareous and clay-rich marl, or Pelosol soils, have limited water permeability and make rooting more difficult. The Hackenheimer Kirchberg lies at an altitude of 175 to 220 metres and is oriented to the south, east and north.
The Gabsheimer Kirchberg belongs to the Nierstein area and the Domherr region. Its deep, loamy and calcareous loess or pararendzina soils were formed from calcareous dust deposited during the Ice Ages. They have a high water-retention capacity and are well suited to rooting.
Wine style
The marl and Pelosol sites in Frei-Laubersheim and Hackenheim are associated with dense, full-bodied wines with moderate acidity and an expressive character of fruit. The Gabsheimer Kirchberg is associated with comparatively light, fresh wines with moderate structure and mild acidity.
Name history
The names of the Frei-Laubersheim and Hackenheim sites refer to their southern position relative to the church of Hackenheim. The Gabsheimer Kirchberg was formerly church property of the Gabsheim chapel. On the Hackenheimer Kirchberg there used to be a Catholic church; later, the Michaelskapelle was built there in its memory.
