Location and Classification
Steinacker is a single vineyard within the collective vineyard of Abtey in the Bingen sub-region of Rheinhessen. It lies within the municipal area of Nieder-Hilbersheim and is classified by the VDP as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®. The site was mentioned for the first time in 1362.
Topography and Climate
The elevated terraced vineyard area at the edge of the forest is located at around 210 to 250 metres above sea level. The slopes have a gradient of 14 to 30 percent and are predominantly oriented to the west to north-west; some individual plots are also oriented to the north-east. The movement of cool air ensures slow, late ripening. Even in warm years, the climate remains balanced.
Soils and Grape Varieties
Documented soils include loess over pararendzina as well as calcareous loam as Terra fusca. Further descriptions mention limestone and clay marl with iron-bearing veins, coarse fragments of iron and, in part, lean, stony calcareous soils with clayey loam. The classified grape varieties are Riesling and Spätburgunder.
Wine Style
On loess and pararendzina, wines are produced that are early to show, refreshing, with a mild acidity and notes of yellow fruit, apple, peach, pear and citrus. The calcareous clay soils are paired with fuller, fruit-forward wines that need time to mature and, alongside mild acidity, can also show notes of mango, apricots and smoke.
