Osterberg

Osterberg is a formally recorded single vineyard in Spiesheim. It belongs to the large vineyard area of Petersberg in the Nierstein area and is located in Rheinhessen. The vineyard area covers 201 hectares and extends from around 170 to 235 metres above sea level. The slopes are oriented from south-west to south-east; the plots are also described as being tilted towards the south and protected from northern and western influences.

The documented soil units include marl and pararendzina from calcareous loams and sands of tertiary marine deposits. The deep, calcareous clay soil has a high proportion of water-releasable clay, limited permeability and aeration, and a high nutrient content. Limestone and rendzina form shallow to medium-depth, very calcareous and stony sandy loams from tertiary marine deposits with calcareous algal reef formations. For this site, favourable local climatic conditions as well as a sunny micro- and mesoclimate are documented.

The wines from marl and pararendzina soils are described as dense, powerful and full-bodied, with well-balanced acidity. For white wines, aromas of mango, honeydew melon and apricot are documented; for red wines, dark fruits and smoky spice. The limestone and rendzina soils are associated with expressive, lively and aromatic wines with a mineral-calcareous character; the range of fruit extends from citrus, apple and gooseberry to mango and passion fruit. Saint Laurent and Huxelrebe are documented from Osterberg; the latter is also described as a TBA (Trockenbeerenauslese).

The name has been documented since the 12th century and, in terms of linguistic history, refers to an eastern location. For a Saint Laurent from Osterberg, a mash fermentation lasting more than two weeks is documented, followed by gentle pressing and ageing in old wooden casks. Another vintage matured for three years in old barriques and large old wooden casks. For a Saint-Laurent plot, manual green harvesting was used to give a yield of 65 hectolitres per hectare.