Location and classification
The Schelmenstück is a single-vineyard site in the Binger sub-region of Rheinhessen and belongs to the collective vineyard St. Rochuskapelle. The vineyard site is assigned to Bingen am Rhein and the district of Büdesheim.
Soil and site
The soil consists of gravel, sand and loam over Rigosol. It formed from Quaternary terrace sediments and ice-age river deposits. The medium-deep, stony and sandy loam has good permeability and aeration, a low nutrient content and a neutral to acidic reaction. It warms up well and offers a medium to good rooting potential. The water storage available to plants is limited, which means drought stress is possible in dry years.
Wine style
The Schelmenstück is Pinot-oriented and is associated predominantly with red wine. The documented style includes herb-spiced aromas, a firm structure, freshness balanced by creaminess, juiciness, density and ageing potential.
Name and wine law
The name Schelmenstück comes from the Middle High German word “schelme” for carcass, and refers to an old Shinderacker that was historically connected with the disposal of animal carcasses. The site is listed as an officially registered single-vineyard site in the Rheinhessen winegrowing region under vineyard site number 71 06 10. The 2024 vineyard directory lists it in the cadastral areas of Büdesheim and Dietersheim with 4.0 and 16.5 hectares of planted vineyard area respectively.
