Location and landscape
The Rotenberg is located in the Alsenz valley near Altenbamberg in the Nahe wine-growing region, opposite Altenbaumburg. The south- to south-east-facing site includes slopes with a gradient of about 50 to 75 percent and lies at an elevation of 250 to 350 metres.
Soil and climate
The geological subsoil consists of red Devonian rocks (Rotliegendes) with rhyolite. The soil is characterised by weathered material from rhyolite and slate, along with a comparatively barren, stony surface. Its red colour is attributed to a high iron content and gave the site its name. The forest above protects the vines from cold winds. Cooling air currents in the higher areas slow down the development of vegetation and extend the ripening time of the grapes.
Grape varieties and wines
The VDP lists Riesling for the classified site. The plantings of Gut Hermannsberg at the Altenbamberger Rotenberg consist of 92 percent Riesling and 8 percent Pinot Blanc. Documented varieties include Riesling Grosses Gewächs and Riesling Kabinett; the 2020 vintage of the Rotenberg Grosses Gewächs is designated as a dry Riesling. The vinification of this wine was carried out in stainless-steel vessels and wooden casks.
History and classification
Gut Hermannsberg names 1958 as the first vintage linked to its vineyard Altenbamberger Rotenberg. The local history of Altenbamberg documents the vineyard area in 1772 under the historic name “Im Roten Berg”; the upper plots are also listed under the cadastral designation Rädelsheck. For the 2024 harvest, Rotenberg is listed in the official Rhineland-Palatinate wine site list as a wine-site designation in Altenbamberg. The VDP classifies the site as VDP.GROSSE LAGE. The classified vineyard area is 5.65 hectares.
