Location and landscape
The Ölberg is a single vineyard site in the area of Nierstein in Rheinhessen. The vineyard site belongs to the Großlage Auflangen and lies above Nierstein on the Roten Hang, whose slope profile turns away from the Rhine on the Ölberg. Within the vineyard site, the Wartturm stands as a medieval signal tower dating from the 12th century.
Climate and soils
Its south-south-easterly orientation and the steep terrain ensure intense sunlight; at times, the site is exposed to strong winds. The Rotliegend comprises red clay slate rich in iron oxide. The soils are described as shallow to medium-deep, calcareous and stony loam with low capacity to store water available to plants, good heat-retention and medium rootability. Cracks in the rock enable the vines to put down deep roots.
Relief and classification
Selected VDP.GROSSE-LAGE parcels lie at around 80 to 170 metres above sea level and have slope gradients of 65 to 120 per cent. For the entire vineyard site, up to 60 per cent of gradient is given. Riesling is the predominant and VDP-classified grape variety; the classified area covers 11.33 hectares. Ölberg is recorded as a single vineyard site in the vineyard sites register; selected parcels are additionally classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®.
Wine style
The wines are associated with herbaceous, finely spiced and almost floral notes, mineral components and fruit aromas of peach, apricot and honeydew melon. Lively acidity, a sometimes closed-off phase in youth and potential for development with age are also part of the regional description.
