Location and classification
The Mönchspfad is a single vineyard within the Großlage of Sankt Alban in the Nierstein area. It is located in [the municipality of Bodenheim](/en/cities/bodenheim) in [Rheinhessen](/en/regions/rheinhessen) and covers 42 hectares. The vineyards are situated at approximately 100 to 180 metres above sea level and face east.
Soil and viticulture
The soil consists of loess-pararendzina, formed from calcareous dust deposited during the ice ages. Documented are deep, light loam with clayey silty material, a high level of lime content, nutrient richness, good rootability and a high water retention capacity. These characteristics point to a high growth potential for the vines and good storage of plant-available water in the soil. At the Mönchspfad, among other varieties, Silvaner is grown.
Wine profile
The location is associated with wines with notes of yellow fruits, apple, peach, pear and citrus fruits. They feature moderate acidity, a medium-bodied structure and early drinking ripeness. As a specific example, a dry Silvaner from the 2020 vintage is documented as a Qualitätswein within the Selection Rheinhessen; it has 13% alcohol, 5.3 g/l residual sugar and 6.6 g/l acidity.
Name and protection
The name recalls the historical connection to the St. Alban monastery, which owned the land in this vineyard site. The associated monastery foundation was dissolved in 1802. Mönchspfad is entered as a protected single-vineyard designation in the quality system of Rheinhessen.
