Location and name
The Osterberg is a registered single vineyard (Einzellage) in the cadastral area Wolfsheim within the Bingen area and the Großlage Abtey in Rheinhessen. The vineyards are located at around 190 to 250 metres above sea level and have exposures ranging from north-west to south-west.
The vineyard name has been documented since the 12th century as „im Osterberg“. It refers to the eastern position of the vineyard in relation to Wolfsheim and not to the Easter festival.
Soils
Kalkreiche, clayey Pelosols from tertiary marine deposits and calcareous Rendzinas from tertiary marine limestone and algae reef deposits are documented. The Pelosols are deep, nutrient-rich and strongly calcareous, contain a lot of spring clay, have limited water permeability and are only partially aerated.
The Rendzinas are shallow to moderately deep, very calcareous, stony and sandy loam. They warm up well and are well aerated, but offer the vines only limited rooting depth.
Wine style
The Pelosol parcels are made into dense, full-bodied wines with moderate acidity and a creamy texture. From the Rendzina parcels, wines with balanced acidity and mineral and chalky characteristics are expected.
A documented Osterberg Riesling from the Bernhard winery is a dry wine from the single vineyard with peach fruit, integrated acidity and a light woody character.
Vinification and cultivation
For this Riesling, it is documented that it is harvested by hand, has an extended maceration time, is matured in wooden barrels and is stirred on the lees. The vineyards of the Bernhard winery have been converted to certified organic viticulture; at the same time, the winery is working towards biodynamic viticulture. This statement refers to the vineyards of the winery and does not constitute a separate certification of the Osterberg.
