Location and Climate
Schloß Westerhaus is a single vineyard in Ingelheim am Rhein in Rheinhessen. The vineyard lies directly below the castle at an altitude of 160 to 240 metres and has a slope of 20 to 50 percent. The aspect is east-northeastward.
The site has a comparatively cool microclimate and lies above the autumn fog of the valley below. The slope is protected from cold westerly winds. Park walls store heat and reduce the influence of cool air currents from the nearby valley.
Soils and Grape Varieties
Documented are skeletal limestone, calcareous limestone with marl, as well as stony loam to loamy clay. In the lower areas there is roughly half a metre of loess; as the slope height increases, the proportion of limestone rises. The limestone is described as a deposit from an earlier sea reef with shell deposits.
Riesling is the classified grape variety of the VDP.GROSSEN LAGE Schloß Westerhaus. Spätburgunder and Riesling grow alongside one another in the vineyard farmed as a monopole. Working in harmony with nature is the guiding principle for the winery, from vine pruning in winter to the autumn harvest.
Wine Style and Classification
The wines from the site are described as slender, firm, and comparatively low in alcohol, with a mineral character and elegance. The Spätburgunder wines show cool, firm features, as well as elegant fruit, spice and acidity. The Rieslings are described as mineral, long-lasting, and comparatively low in alcohol.
Schloß Westerhaus is classified with the VDP as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®. The winery markets dry wines from the classified single vineyard as VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS®.
History
The first documented mention of the vineyard dates from the year 1408. In 1900 the estate and the vineyard were acquired by the Opel family; descendants continue to run the winery.
