Location and Climate
Kirschheck is a vineyard site in Norheim on the Nahe in Germany. The south-facing slope along the hilly banks of the Nahe has an inclination of around 10 to 50 percent and lies at roughly 120 to 190 metres above sea level. The viticultural surroundings of Norheim are considered mild and relatively dry; surrounding rocks and wooded ridges reduce rainfall.
Soil and Geology
Kirschheck covers about 14 hectares. The subsoil consists of dark grey slate and schist clay from the Permian, supplemented by loess and loess-clay layers. The geological profile also lists grey slate with sandstone and porphyry. The slate components warm up quickly, offer good water availability, and favour a longer ripening period for the grapes.
Classification and Grape Variety
The central area is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®; Riesling is listed as the classified grape variety. Kirschheck is also recorded as an official vineyard site in the Rhineland-Palatinate wine sites directory for the 2024 harvest.
Wines and History
Riesling Spätlese and dry Rieslings from Kirschheck are documented. Producer information describes the Riesling as juicy, clear and well balanced, with pronounced length. For a Dönnhoff Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spätlese from the 2025 vintage, 20 to 55-year-old vines, a yield of around 40 hectolitres per hectare, selective hand-harvesting, as well as fermentation and maturation in stainless steel are given. Kirschheck is among the oldest documented vineyard areas on the Nahe; the name refers to wild cherry trees that used to grow on the slopes and are partly still preserved among the vines.
