Location and classification
The Almond Slope is an officially listed single vineyard site in Edesheim in the Pfalz. It lies on the western edge of the municipality and belongs to the Großlage Ordensgut.
Climate, relief and soils
The sheltered south to south-easterly aspect is considered mild and promotes exposure to sunlight. For Edesheim, around 2,000 hours of sunshine, 620 millimetres of annual precipitation and a mean annual temperature of 11.1 °C are given. The Almond Slope consists of around 80 per cent hillside and 20 per cent flat land. The soils range from loam to loess loam and also include sandy loam, chalk and lime.
Grape varieties and wines
The Almond Slope is a key site for Silvaner. Further documented grape varieties are Riesling, Scheurebe, Cabernet Sauvignon, Schwarzriesling, Pinot varieties and Spätburgunder. Bottled wines include, among others, dry Sauvignon Blanc and a sweet Ehrenfelser ice wine. For a Mandelhang Sauvignon Blanc, dry vinification is documented; the relevant Superior wines are selected from the best casks of a vintage.
Origin of the name
The name Mandelhang refers to field paths that were once lined with almond trees.
