Location and Orientation
The Michelsberg lies in the Haardtrand wine-growing region towards the Modenbachtal between Burrweiler and Weyher in der Pfalz. Directly to the west, the Palatinate Forest adjoins. The south-easterly to southerly oriented hillside has a slope of around 15 to 20 per cent.
Climate and Soils
In summer, the evening air flow from the Modenbachtal provides better ventilation. The changeable microclimate is associated with slower ripening. As a defining soil type, slate has been documented; in addition, Rotliegend, blue slate and weathered rock from the Devonian and Carboniferous are described.
Varieties and Classification
The classified area covers 12.39 hectares. For the Michelsberg, Riesling is listed as the grape variety, from which Rieslings with a pronounced mineral character emerge. The VDP classifies the site in Pfalz as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®; the official wine site directory 2024 also assigns it to Weyher in der Pfalz.
History
The surrounding wine-growing area received the name Michelsberg in 1951 for the inauguration of the St Michael’s chapel. Previously, it had been called Rötzberg, a name that refers to the reddish colour of the soil.
