Location and Extent
Schloß Hammerstein is a single vineyard site in Albig within the sub-region of Nierstein in Rheinhessen. It belongs to the Petersberg grand cru. The vineyard site covers 160 hectares and lies at an altitude of around 180 to 250 metres. Its exposures range from east, north, west to south.
Soils
The site includes calcareous rendzina on limestone from tertiary marine deposits associated with a limestone reef. These soils are shallow to medium-depth, very rich in lime, stony and sandy-loamy. They store little water available to plants, but they are well aerated and warm up well. In addition, marl and/or pararendzina can be found, consisting of lime-rich clays and sands. This soil is deep, rich in lime and rich in clay, but has limited permeability and aeration.
Wine Character
The limestone plots are attributed mineral, chalky wines with balanced acidity. Their range of aromas develops from citrus fruits, apple and gooseberry to mango and passion fruit. The marl plots are associated with dense, full-bodied wines and balanced acidity. White wines show juicy, exotic fruit notes; red wines show notes of dark fruits as well as smoky-spicy nuances.
Name History
The name goes back to remains of walls near Albig, which were initially interpreted as a medieval castle, Schloß Hammerstein. Archaeological finds later identified the remains as a Roman villa rustica. It lies below the Sumborn spring on a hill near Albig. The historical remains are said to have been destroyed during the advance of the Alemanni, probably around 400 AD.
