Location and classification
The Schloßberg is a single vineyard site within the Großlage of Petersberg, in the Nierstein area, in Rheinhessen. The site is located in the cadastral district of Gau-Heppenheim. In the directory of wine-growing sites it is listed under number 720614; for 2024, 88.8 hectares of planted vineyard area are shown.
Soils
The Schloßberg comprises calcareous rendzinas from tertiary marine deposits associated with a calcareous algal reef, as well as marl-pelosols from calcareous, clayey deposits of the Tertiary sea. The rendzina is shallow to medium-deep, very rich in lime and stony-sandy-loamy. It has good aeration and warming potential, but limited root penetration and low plant-available water storage. The pelosol is deep and calcareous, with water-yielding clay, restricted water supply and aeration, and more difficult rooting.
Wine style
The wines from the limestone soils are associated with citrus, apple and gooseberry aromas, as well as later notes of tropical fruit, balanced acidity and a mineral, chalky character. They are also attributed with development potential. The marl soil stands for fuller-bodied, dense wines with moderate acidity, a creamy texture, ripe fruit and less pronounced minerality. For 2022, a dry Grauburgunder from the Schloßberg in Gau-Heppenheim is documented.
Name and history
The site name goes back to the former ownership of the Lords of Heppenheim, who were also known as the Lords of Saal. An inscription from the year 1609 on the building Schlossgasse 4 refers to the local castle, which was destroyed in 1766 by lightning strike and a fire.
