Location and Topography
The Löhrer Berg is a vineyard site in Langenlonsheim on the Nahe. Depending on the description, the south to south-southeast facing site extends from about 110 to 200, or 220, metres above sea level. It is described as a slope or hillside vineyard site with a gradient of 20 to 50 percent.
Climate and Soils
The south-facing orientation, strong sunshine exposure, heat storage and nearby areas of woodland are associated with a local climate favourable for ripening the grapes. Numerous springs ensure reliable water supply; woodland and night winds are also mentioned as influences on freshness and acidity.
The soils are described as loam and clay with river or terrace gravel, as stony sandy loam, and as loamy clay. Individual plots have calcareous clay or marl and clay marl at the edge of the Mainz Basin. The gravel consists of rounded river stones that are embedded in loam and loess.
History and Grape Varieties
The first documented planting of the Löhrer Berg took place in 1688 exclusively with Riesling. In the published site descriptions, the name is explained as “leerer Berg” or “leerer Hügel”. In addition to Riesling, Spätburgunder, Grauburgunder, Silvaner and Weißburgunder are documented for the site or for individual producer plots.
One producer uses repeated undersowing of cover crops in its plots to improve soil structure and soil climate.
Wine Style and Maturation
Documented Rieslings from the Löhrer Berg are made dry or off-dry. The descriptions mention apple, citrus, lime, stone fruit as well as mineral or earthy notes, combined with fresh acidity and partly silky texture. Qualitätswein b.A. Nahe and QbA are documented, as well as estate bottlings.
For a Riesling Spätlese, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel using pure-breeding yeasts is documented. The 2024 vintage from another producer was matured in stainless steel.
