Location and Classification
The single vineyard Oppenheimer Kreuz is located in Oppenheim in Rheinhessen and is also known as Dienheimer Kreuz. It belongs to the Nierstein area and to the Großlage Güldenmorgen; the cadastral district is Oppenheim.
Relief, Aspect and Soils
The vineyards are situated in a gently hilly landscape between Oppenheim and Dienheim at an altitude of around 120 to 140 metres. The slope gradient is around 30 percent, and the aspect ranges from south-east to east-south-east. The middle slope position is exposed to high levels of sunshine and warmth; mild, passing winds provide ventilation.
At its core, there are powerful loess layers with fragments of coarse limestone and shell limestone. The soil is described as marl, or Pararendzina, with calcareous loams and sands. It is deep, clay-rich and strongly calcareous.
Varieties and Wine Style
The area classified according to VDP comprises 9.00 hectares. Spätburgunder is the principal grape variety and is listed for classification as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®. The regional site description also names Riesling and increasingly planted Spätburgunder. The wines are described as powerful, full-bodied and expressive, with balanced acidity as well as lasting fruit, richness and texture. White wines therefore show aromas of ripe exotic fruit, melon and apricot, while red wines show dark fruit and smoky spice.
Name and History
The name probably goes back to a votive cross made of red sandstone at the foot of the vineyard site. It was erected as an expression of thanks after a difficulty or an emergency. A Spätburgunder from the 1999 vintage by Kühling-Gillot was served to Pope Benedict as a Mass wine; therefore winemakers also refer to the site as Papstlage.
