Location and classification
The Sioner Klosterberg is designated as a single vineyard within the Großlage Sybillenstein and belongs to the Wonnegau sub-region in Rheinhessen. The vineyards directory lists vineyard number 730710 and assigns the site to the cadastral areas Alzey-Weinheim and Mauchenheim. For 2024, 9.2 hectares are recorded in Alzey-Weinheim and 77.2 hectares in Mauchenheim.
Soils
The site comprises calcareous rendzina from tertiary marine deposits, which are linked to a calcareous algae reef. The shallow to medium-depth, very lime-rich soils are stony and sandy-loamy; their water storage capacity available to plants and rooting depth are limited. In addition, calcareous marl clay occurs as a Pelosol. This soil is deep and rich in clay, contains clay that is able to swell, and has limited water permeability as well as restricted aeration and root penetration.
Grape varieties and wine style
For the Sioner Klosterberg, among others, Rivaner, Pinot Blanc, Silvaner, Riesling, Portugieser, Dornfelder, Regent, Saint Laurent and Spätburgunder are documented. The regional site profile also mentions Morio-Muskat. Wines from the rendzina are described as mineral and chalky, with balanced acidity and notes of citrus fruits, apple, gooseberry, mango and passion fruit. Wines from the marl show themselves as full-bodied and dense, with moderate acidity, a creamy texture and aromas of mango, apricot and honeydew melon.
History and cultivation
The name recalls the former Cistercian nuns’ monastery Sion, which was founded shortly before 1247 by Truchsess Werner of Alzey. The monastery burned down during the Napoleonic Revolutionary Wars; its stones were subsequently used for houses in Mauchenheim. For the vines in the Sioner Klosterberg, restrained plant protection and restrained fertilisation, repeated inspections, vine pruning, bending of the canes and thinning of the yield are documented. The proximity to woodland is described by a local winery as a contribution to a more balanced climate in hot years.
