Location and Classification
The almond orchard is an officially documented single vineyard site in Gönnheim in the Pfalz region and in the wine-growing area Mittelhaardt–Deutsche Weinstraße. In the regional vineyard data, it is classified as Gönnheimer Mandelgarten within the grand cru site Deidesheimer Hofstück.
Climate and Soils
Gönnheim lies between the Haardt and the Rhine and is described by the municipality as having a mild climate. The almond orchard is located south of the village on a gently sloping hillside facing south. The soils are heavy and characterised by loess; also mentioned are sandy loam and, in places, calcareous loess.
Cultivation
In the Gönnheim parcels of the Eymann winery there are more than 9,000 vines per hectare, and in the Mandelgarten parcel for Pinot Noir there are 10,000 vines per hectare. The vineyards are farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles; Eymann has been a member of the Demeter contract since 2006.
Grape Varieties and Wine Maturation
The almond orchard has documented plantings of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Scheurebe. The wines include dry versions as well as Scheurebe ice wine and Ruländer Beerenauslese. Harvesting is done by hand, and fermentation is spontaneous. For the Pinot Noir from the Mandelgarten, depending on the vintage, whole-cluster proportions, 18 months’ ageing in French barriques and tonneaux, and bottling without filtration are stated. Red wines are traditionally fermented on the skins and aged for nine to 18 months in French tonneaux and barriques.
