Location and classification
Sonnenberg is a registered single-vineyard site in the Rheingrafenstein region of Rheinhessen within the Bingen area. The wine-growing site extends across the cadastral districts of Stein-Bockenheim and Wonsheim. In the official directory of vineyard sites, it is listed under the site code 710510. For 2024, 52.8 hectares of planted vineyard area in Stein-Bockenheim and 79.1 hectares in Wonsheim are given.
Aspect and soils
The site lies at an altitude of 190 to 250 metres and has a south-easterly aspect. The name Sonnenberg refers to this southern exposure. Documented is volcanic brown earth (Braunerde) from dark lava of the Rotliegend. It is shallow, very stony and sandy-loamy, stores only a limited amount of water available to plants, but has good aeration, nutrient supply and warming.
Another soil unit is a Rotliegend Rigosol from calcareous clay and fine sand deposits. This soil is shallow to medium-deep, calcareous, stony and clayey, with limited water storage and moderate rooting depth. In the higher-lying areas around Stein-Bockenheim, including Sonnenberg, calcareous deposits over volcanic rock formations are also documented.
Grape varieties and wine style
The winery Steitz lists Sonnenberg as the origin for single-vineyard wines of Riesling, Spätburgunder and Chardonnay. In addition, Sauvignon Blanc is planted there towards Mörsfeld on sandy loam and loess soil. The parcels with volcanic brown earth are associated with mineral expression, notes of peach, apple and citrus, fine, balanced acidity, and a slender, structured style. The Rigosol parcels are described as having herbal, lightly spicy and floral notes, as well as aromas of peach, apricot and honeydew melon, lively acidity and potential for ripening.
Bottle ageing
For its single-vineyard wines, including the wines from Sonnenberg, the winery Steitz documents further ripening in the bottle of about three to four years.
