Location and classification
Schloß Schwabsburg is a single vineyard within the large vineyard Auflangen in the Nierstein area. It is located in Nierstein, in the cadastral district of Schwabsburg, and belongs to Rheinhessen. In the official directory of winegrowing sites, it is listed under winegrowing site number 720107. There, 7.3 hectares are designated in the cadastral area of Nierstein and 14.9 hectares in Schwabsburg.
Topography and soils
The vineyard site lies at an altitude of around 90 to 165 metres and is oriented from south to west. The documented soil types are Rotliegend/Rigosol as well as loess/Pararendzina. The Rotliegend/Rigosol is shallow to medium-deep, calcareous, stony and clayey loam with low water-storage capacity for plants and good heat absorption. Loess/Pararendzina is deeper, calcareous and clayey-silty loam with high water-storage capacity for plants, good rooting penetration and a high potential for growth.
Grape varieties and wine style
At Schloß Schwabsburg, various grape varieties are grown, with Riesling being the most important variety. The wines are described as dense and intensely aromatic. The proportion from Rotliegend/Rigosol is associated with lively acidity and ripening potential.
Name origin and history
The namesake is Schwabsburg Castle, from which the central bergfried has been preserved. Its construction is attributed to the Staufer period between around 1125 and 1245/1250. The castle was first mentioned in a document in 1257, destroyed in 1620 during the Thirty Years’ War, and the remaining facilities were sold for demolition in 1799.
