Location and classification
Sonnenberg is a legally defined single vineyard site in the cadastral area of Hohen-Sülzen. It belongs to the Großlage Domblick and to the Wonnegau area in Rheinhessen. The vineyard area lies at around 135 to 155 metres above sea level and is oriented from the south-east to the south.
Soil
The soil consists of loess over pararendzina. The loess is described as calcareous, wind-blown dust deposited during the Ice Ages. The soil profile is deep and comprises light-coloured loam with a clayey silt. It is calcareous, rich in nutrients, well permeated by roots, and has a high storage capacity for plant-available soil water.
History and wine profile
The vineyard site was documented in 1413 and 1560 under the name am Summerberg. The name Sonnenberg is attributed to the southern exposure. The terroir profile links the wines with yellow-fruit aromas such as apple, peach, pear and citrus fruits, moderate structure, mild acidity and a style that becomes accessible early.
Vineyard area
In the vineyard site register of the Landwirtschaftskammer Rheinland-Pfalz, 58.3 hectares of planted vineyard are listed for Sonnenberg in Hohen-Sülzen. The regional figure puts the vineyard area at around 60 hectares.
