Location and classification
Rotes Kreuz is a legally recognised single vineyard in the Nieder-Ingelheim cadastral district of Ingelheim am Rhein in Rheinhessen. The winegrowing site lies between Ingelheim and Heidesheim in the district of Bingen and belongs to the Großlage Kaiserpfalz. In the official register of winegrowing sites it is listed under number 710320; for the 2024 harvest, 64.1 hectares of planted vineyard area are recorded.
Relief and soils
Rotes Kreuz has a north-westerly aspect and an elevation of 90 to 210 metres above sea level. The site comprises deep calcareous windblown sand soils of the Rigosol type. In addition, calcareous Rendzinas occur that are shallow to medium-deep, stony and sandy-loamy, and formed from Tertiary marine deposits in the vicinity of a limestone algae reef.
Vines and wine styles
For Rotes Kreuz, Spätburgunder, Blauer Portugieser, Regent and Silvaner are documented. Portugieser is considered an important grape variety cultivated in the site. The calcareous windblown sand parcels are predominantly associated with red wine styles that show fruit intensity, mild acidity and a dense structure, and may be accessible early. From the Rendzina parcels come expressive, lively and aromatic wines with balanced acidity and a mineral-calcareous character. Dry quality wines and dry Prädikatsweine (special-category wines) from Spätburgunder, Regent and Blauer Portugieser are documented.
History and landscape
The winegrowing site is first recorded in 1383 under the name an dem Crutze. The name refers to a red wayside cross that served as a stopping point. Numerous hedges and fruit trees shape a comparatively wild, open landscape structure.
