Location and Geography
The Leistenberg is a vineyard site in a side valley of the Nahe near Oberhausen an der Nahe. The south-easterly slope lies at around 140 to 180 metres above sea level and is protected by the Lemberg. The hillside has a gradient of 30 to 40 per cent.
Climate and Soil
The south-easterly aspect brings morning sun, which dries the grapes. In the afternoon, the sunlight is less directly intense, which supports long ripening without rapid over-ripening. The soil consists of grey, carbon-bearing, weathered slate with clayey loam.
Grape Variety and Classification
The Leistenberg is planted exclusively with Riesling. The VDP describes the site, which is about six hectares in size, with a classified area of 3.59 hectares, as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® . In the Rhineland-Palatinate vineyard directory, it is listed as a single site in the Oberhausen district, with 3.7 hectares under vine and the vineyard number 511145.
History and Wine
The Leistenberg is described as the oldest vineyard site of the Dönnhoff winery and has been in family ownership for centuries. It is already listed on a historic map of the Oberhausen vineyard sites from 1901. The documented Oberhäuser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett shows residual sweetness, a slate-influenced character, finesse and a piquant acidity. For a documented bottling, selective hand-picking was carried out entirely by hand; depending on the vintage, the vines were 25 to 40 years old or 25 to 45 years old. Fermentation and ripening took place in stainless steel vessels and large wooden casks.
