Location and Classification
The Mandelpfad is a legally registered single vineyard in Dirmstein in the Pfalz. It belongs to the winegrowing region Mittelhaardt/Deutsche Weinstraße and to the grand cru Schwarzerde.
Site
The documented VDP core lies at 120 to 140 metres above sea level on a south-facing slope with 10 to 20 per cent gradient. An adjacent valley basin provides protection from west winds; strong exposure to sunshine and the summer warming promoted by this characterise the site. The porous loess topsoil with limestone fragments lies over limestone; below, a massive layer of limestone supports water availability in dry years.
Vines and Wines
The 10.00-hectare core, classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®, is planted with Riesling and Spätburgunder, with Riesling being the predominant grape variety. Documented are dry, fully fermented Riesling Grosses Gewächs and Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs. The Rieslings are associated with expressive exotic fruit, fine acidity and a long finish.
Name and Production
The name of the vineyard was first recorded in 1557 as “am Mandel Pfad” and refers to almond trees that were previously used for commercial purposes and that still occur in the landscape. The Knipser winery cultivates the central plot Himmelsrech. Its Mandelpfad Riesling Grosses Gewächs from the 2019 vintage matured until summer 2020 on fine lees in a traditional 600-litre half-barrel.
