Location and Classification
The Kreisberg is officially registered as the single vineyard Höhnstedter Kreisberg in the Mansfelder Seen area of the quality wine region Saale-Unstrut. It belongs to the Großlage Höhnstedter Kelterberg and lies within the area of the town of Salzatal, between Höhnstedt and the Süßer See.
Area and Landscape
The registered vineyard area comprises 55.6627 hectares and includes the cadastral districts of Höhnstedt, Seeburg and Neehausen. Terraced slopes and mostly small plots shape the landscape. From there, the view extends over the terraced vineyards near Rollsdorf and the Bindersee to the Süßer See.
The microclimate is influenced by the Süßer See and the Harz landscape. The described soils include red sandstone with loess loam cover, slate loams and transported clay (geschiebelehm).
Vines and Wine Style
Traditionally, Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner and Weißburgunder predominate. At the Höhnstedter Kreisberg there is also a planting of Red Riesling, established in 1930, a red grape variety used to produce white wine.
Dry wines are described as fresh, mineral and lively, with spicy-herbal notes and pronounced acidity. As a site-specific wine, a dry Spätburgunder Spätlese is documented, showing aromas of red fruit, a soft tannin structure and supportive acidity.
History and Viticulture
In 1920, a trial planting was set up at the Kreisberg so that local winegrowers could familiarise themselves with improved grapevines. The administration of the Mansfelder Seekreis at the time bought the hill; this gave rise to the name Kreisberg. Characteristic of the vineyard landscape are traditional winegrowers’ huts, built into the slopes as earth houses. A documented Spätburgunder Spätlese from the 2024 vintage ripened in wooden casks.
