Location and geology
Steinberg is a named vineyard site near Beilstein in the wine-growing region of Württemberg. The south-facing slope lies at almost 400 metres above sea level, is less prone to fog and has a long ripening period. The area, covering around 30 hectares, has red Keuper and marl soils. Steinberg is also associated with the transition from Lower Buntsandstein to siliceous sandstone; on higher areas in Beilstein, loess occurs in part.
Viticulture
The vineyard is farmed in a nature-friendly way. The unusually wide row spacing is 2.90 metres. Rainfall is collected in a reservoir at the foot of the slope and used during dry periods.
Grape varieties and wines
At Steinberg, among other varieties, wild muscat, Riesling, Trollinger, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are cultivated. Documented are dry Rieslings, Riesling Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese and Beerenauslese, as well as dry and noble-sweet wild muscat wines and a dry Trollinger Auslese.
History and vinification
In 1971, the winery acquired the Steinberg site, which had previously been state-owned, and redeveloped the partially wooded land through replanting and further measures. The grapes are selected in the cellar in Heilbronn, destemmed, pressed and vinified; work in the barrel cellar and bottling also take place there. The name Amalienhof, according to a local tradition, is linked to Amalie, who was considered the companion of the former Lord of Helfenberg.
