Location and classification
The Ölberg is a single vineyard in Gau-Odernheim and forms part of the Großlage Petersberg in the Nierstein area of the quality wine region Rheinhessen. The directory of vineyard sites lists it under number 720617, with 103.3 hectares of planted vineyard area in the cadastral area of Gau-Odernheim.
Altitude and soils
The vineyard site lies at around 150 to 188 metres above sea level and has predominantly south-westerly to south-easterly aspects. The soil consists of marl and Pelosol with calcareous, clayey deposits from the Tertiary sea. It is deep, strongly calcareous and rich in nutrients, and contains clay capable of acting as a source for springs.
Grape varieties and wine styles
Documented bottlings from the Ölberg include Riesling, Kerner, Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder, Chardonnay, Bacchus, Gelber Muskateller and Spätburgunder. Dry, off-dry and semi-dry wines are evidenced, as well as Prädikat wines at the Kabinett and Spätlese levels. In the Ölberg vineyards of Becker Landgraf, only Riesling is planted.
History and vinification
The Ölberg was documented in 1501 under the name “an dem oleyberge”. The name may refer to an oil mill at the foot of the hill or to land subject to levies with an oil duty. Becker Landgraf specifies for its vineyards hand-harvesting, a natural supply of humus, targeted soil cultivation, cover cropping, and the abandonment of artificial irrigation. The wines are fermented spontaneously and matured without fining agents.
