Location and classification
The registered wine-growing site name is Höhnstedter Kreisberg. The single vineyard is part of the Mansfelder Seen area, the Großlage Höhnstedter Kelterberg, and the wine-growing region Saale-Unstrut. It lies between Höhnstedt and the Süßer See in the northern part of the region. The vineyard register assigns it to the cadastral districts of Höhnstedt, Seeburg and Neehausen.
Landscape and soils
The vineyard landscape is characterised by terraced slopes, small plots and traditional vineyard cottages. The vineyards around Rollsdorf are described as terraced sites near Bindersee. Weathered red sandstone predominates, with a loess loam cover; in addition, slate tones and glacial till are mentioned.
Climate and cultivation
The local wine-growing climate is influenced by the Süßer See and the adjacent Harz landscape. The lake is credited with heat storage and evaporation effects. The vineyards, which are mostly divided into small plots, are farmed by several local winegrowers; individual steep sites are cultivated entirely by hand.
Grape varieties and wine style
The predominant grape varieties documented are Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner and Weißburgunder. A plot planted in 1930 contains Roter Riesling, an old red-berried variety from which white wine is produced. For Höhnstedter Kreisberg, dry quality wines and dry late-harvest wines are recorded, including a dry Spätburgunder. The name Kreisberg goes back to a vineyard that was purchased by the administration of the former Mansfelder Seen district and set up in 1920 as a demonstration garden for the purpose of showcasing refined vines.
