Location and classification
Sonnheil is a legally registered single vineyard in the municipality and cadastral area of Hillesheim. It belongs to the Großlage Krötenbrunnen and to the Nierstein area in Rheinhessen. The Rhineland-Palatinate wine site directory lists the vineyard under number 720518, with 61.2 hectares of planted vineyard area.
Name and soils
The name Sonnheil is understood as a derivative of “Sonnehaldem” and therefore refers to a slope that inclines to the south. The regional site profile classifies the soil as marl and/or Pelosol. These are calcareous clay deposits from the Tertiary sea. Plots of a winery in the vineyard are also described as being covered by humus-rich Black Earth.
Wine style
Marl and Pelosol soils are associated with full-bodied, dense and substantial wines. They are described as having moderate acidity, a creamy texture and ripe fruit characteristics.
Grape varieties and production
For Sonnheil, Grauburgunder and Regent are documented. A Grauburgunder described as feinherb originates from the vineyard; a dry Regent was developed in barrique. The wines from the aforementioned winery mature up to bottling in their own cellar and, according to their own statements, are vinified using natural style as well as modern, gentle cellar techniques.
