Location and Classification
The Reichsritterstift is a single site within the Großlage Sankt Alban. It is located in the Nierstein area and in the cadastral district of Bodenheim in Rheinhessen. In the official register of wine-growing sites, it is listed as a legally recognised single site with the wine-growing site number 720909.
Soil and Wine Style
The soil is classified as marl-pararendzina from calcareous loams and sands from tertiary marine deposits. Also described is a deep, calcareous clay soil with a high proportion of source clay, limited storage of plant-available water, restricted permeability and aeration, a high nutrient content, very high lime content, medium capacity for warming, and difficult root penetration.
With the soil, dense, full-bodied and expressive wines are associated with balanced acidity. White wines show juicy notes of exotic fruit, while red wines show notes of dark fruits, along with smoky-spicy hints.
Historical Reference
The name recalls the conversion of the St.-Alban monastery into a Reichsritterstift in the year 1490. A large enclosing wall with corner towers surrounds the Stiftswingert. It was probably created before the secularisation in 1802 and could have served as a boundary for the former St.-Alban foundation. Historically, the wine-growing site was exclusively in the ownership of the state wine-growing domain.
Wine Education Trail
At the Reichsritterstift and St. Alban, a 2.7-kilometre-long wine education trail begins, documenting grape varieties and viticulture around Bodenheim.
