Location and classification
The Ölberg is a single vineyard in the municipality of Grolsheim in the Bingen area of the winegrowing region Rheinhessen. The collective vineyard is St. Rochuskapelle. The official directory of wine-growing sites lists the vineyard with 24.2 hectares in the Grolsheim cadastral area.
Topography and soils
The west-facing site lies at an altitude of about 100 metres. Gravel, sand and loam over Rigosol shape the soil, which is described as glacial fluvial deposits. The medium-deep, stony sandy loam has comparatively low water storage available to plants, good permeability and aeration, and a neutral to acidic reaction. In dry years, there is therefore a risk of drought stress.
Wines and grape varieties
The Ölberg is considered a Pinot-affine site and is associated predominantly with red wines. Described are herbal and spicy aromas, a firm structure, freshness with creamy components, juicy fruit, density and potential for ripening. Documented varieties include, among others, Rivaner, Dornfelder, Scheurebe, Grauburgunder, Gewürztraminer, Spätburgunder, Regent, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Weißburgunder and Sauvignon Blanc. The wines range from dry and off-dry to sweet and late-harvested; in addition, a dry Pinot Noir rosé sparkling wine made from traditional bottle fermentation is documented.
Name and winemaking
The name is first documented in 1727 in the form “auff der öhlbach”. Possible explanations include an earlier oil mill or a biblical reference to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. A documented Dornfelder from the site is produced using traditional vat fermentation.
