Location and classification
Sauloch, also known as Dalsheimer Sauloch, is a single vineyard site in the Dalsheim district of Flörsheim-Dalsheim in the Wonnegau in Rheinhessen. The vineyard area covers 120 hectares. Sauloch, as a single vineyard site, belongs to the collective site Burg Rodenstein.
Topography and neighbouring sites
The site lies at around 150 to 192 metres above sea level and is oriented to the south-east. The terrain is relatively flat and is protected in the west by rising hills. To the north, Sauloch borders the cadastral areas of Bermersheim and Gundheim. The northern section borders Dalsheimer Hubacker to the west, and the southern section borders Dalsheimer Steig.
Soils
Löss over pararendzina, as well as limestone over rendzina, are documented. The löss and pararendzina soils are deep, calcareous and consist of light-coloured loam with a clayey silty component. They have a high capacity for storing water available to plants. The limestone and rendzina soils are shallow to medium-depth, very calcareous and stony, with a sandy loam texture and a low capacity for storing water available to plants.
Ripeness and grape varieties
Sauloch is described as an early-ripening site. The early budding can allow a long growing season for varieties that ripen later. Löss soils with shell limestone warm up easily and provide the vines with sufficient water supply. Documented white grape varieties include Riesling, Huxelrebe, Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau and Bacchus. Near the boundary with Dalsheimer Hubacker, Cabernet Dorsa, Dornfelder and Merlot are planted.
