Location and classification
Steinberg is a single vineyard site in Bad Dürkheim at the north-western edge of the town, directly by the Palatinate Forest. The site belongs to the Mittelhaardt and to the German Wine Route within the wine-growing region Pfalz. In the official register of wine-growing sites, it is listed under the Großlage Feuerberg with the vineyard site number 820103.
Area, climate and soil
The official tourism website gives an area of 27.2 hectares, while the wine-growing sites register 2024 indicates 26.9 hectares of planted vineyard area. The predominantly dry location at the edge of the forest is cooled by the nearby Palatinate Forest and receives night winds. As a result, the nights are cooler and the acidity can be preserved. The subsoil consists of heavily weathered Bunter sandstone and forms a very stony soil; locally, yellow-weathered Bunter sandstone, fine reworked sand layers and water-bearing zones also occur.
Grape varieties and wines
Riesling is regarded as an important and suitable grape variety for Steinberg. A dry Riesling Kabinett with pronounced acidity is documented, with aromas associated with grapefruit. Sauvignon Blanc is also evidenced: plots from Weingut Egon Schmitt are more than 20 years old and are cultivated with deliberately lower yields. The dry Pfälzer quality wine produced from this has lively acidity.
Name and maturation
According to Weingut Egon Schmitt, the name Steinberg refers both to the stony character of the site and to its proximity to partially preserved stone quarries from the Roman period. For a documented Sauvignon Blanc, fermentation with natural yeasts and maturation in more recent wooden casks, including previously toasted oak casks, are stated.
