Location and classification
Schöntal, officially Alsbacher Schöntal, is a single-vineyard site in the Alsbach district of Alsbach-Hähnlein in the wine-growing region Hessische Bergstraße. The vineyards lie below Schloss Alsbach at the foot of the Melibokus and form the northern boundary of the Starkenburg area. They extend from the former B3 uphill to the forest edge; in between there are gardens and private plots.
Climate and soils
For the Hessische Bergstraße, the regional climate balance sheet for 1991 to 2020 shows a mean annual temperature of 11.6 °C, 692 millimetres of annual precipitation and 1.734 sunshine hours. During the growing season, the averages are 16.5 °C, 429 millimetres of rainfall and 1.359 sunshine hours. The soils in the Alsbacher district area are described as light.
Vines and wine styles
From Alsbacher Schöntal, among others White and Red Riesling, Grauburgunder, Chardonnay, Muscateller, Spätburgunder, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Silvaner, Auxerrois and Gewürztraminer are documented. The wines are made dry and fine-herbal, as well as White, Red, Rosé and Blanc-de-Noir wines.
Vinification and history
Documented are the vinification of white and red wines in barrique and in half-piece casks, as well as the ageing of Chardonnay in tonneau. Sparkling wines are produced by traditional bottle fermentation. For the vineyards of a local winery, herbicide- and insecticide-free cultivation and the omission of nitrogen fertilisation are also recorded. The place-name is attested in historical forms as early as 1501 and appears around 1710 as “Schöntal”.
