Location and Extent
The Michelsberg is a vineyard site in Bad Dürkheim in the Pfalz. The documented area under vines covers 7.7 hectares, of which 5.92 hectares are classified as a VDP site.
Topography and Soils
The south-easterly-facing site stretches from around 110 to 150 metres above sea level and has a slope of approximately five percent. It includes terraced areas with sandstone walls that store heat. The Michelsberg lies on a former shell bank; the soils consist of Muschelkalk, calcareous marl and sandy loam.
Climate and Grape Varieties
The south-easterly terraced hillside and the heat-storing sandstone walls reduce the risk of frost and extend the ripening period. The open slope structure promotes air circulation and allows moisture to dry off quickly. As VDP-classified grape varieties, Riesling, Spätburgunder and Weißer Burgunder are documented. Rieslings from this site are described as mineral, powerful, soft and creamy.
History and Classification
The Michelsberg is considered the oldest officially documented vineyard site in the Pfalz and was first recorded in writing in 1155. The name goes back to a pilgrimage chapel dedicated to the Holy Michael, which stood there until 1601. In the wine sites register of Rhineland-Palatinate, Michelsberg is listed as an official single-site designation; the VDP classifies the site as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®.
