Location and Classification
Steige is a single vineyard site in the wine-growing region Rheinhessen, in the Bingen area, within the Großlage Rheingrafenstein. It lies in the cadastral area of Fürfeld. In the official list of vineyard sites, it is recorded under the wine site code 710523; the planted vineyard area is 3.5 hectares.
Soil
The documented soil type is red slate/rigosol from calcareous clay and fine sand deposits. The soil is shallow to medium-deep, calcareous, stony and clayey-loamy. It shows low plant-available water retention, good warming potential and moderate root penetration.
Wine Character and History
The published site profile links the wines with herbal, finely spiced and almost floral notes, mineral components and pronounced aromas of peach, apricot and honeydew melon. A lively acidity, a multi-layered character, an initial reservedness and potential for ageing are also described.
The site is documented in 1521 under the name am hunerstege. The regional source suggests that Steige may go back to the Middle High German word for a steep ascent or to stige in the sense of a fence/enclosure for small livestock.
