Location and classification
The Steingrube is an officially registered single vineyard site in the cadastral district of Westhofen. It belongs to the sub-region of Wonnegau and to the larger site of Bergkloster in Rheinhessen. The vineyards begin directly at the edge of the town and lie between Kirchspiel, Brunnenhäuschen and Morstein.
Topography and soils
The areas facing east, south-east and south are at around 90 to 240 metres above sea level and have slopes of roughly 10 to 35 per cent. A viticultural description places the site at about 140 to 180 metres and describes it as south-facing. The subsoil consists of clay marl with limestone, as well as limestone rock or chalkstone beneath a thin layer of sandy loam, clay and loam. In addition, Löss-Pararendzina and calcareous clayey soil (Terra rossa) are documented.
Climate and grape varieties
The south-facing exposure and the stony subsoil create a site-specific microclimate with a high ripeness potential; the site is also described as sheltered from wind. Listed as classified grape varieties are Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder), Riesling, Chardonnay and Weißer Burgunder. Sauvignon Blanc is also grown in the Steingrube. The site is associated with mineral Rieslings as well as Pinot varieties.
History and wine law
The name has been documented since 1295 as “dicto stheingrube” and refers to an earlier stone quarry. In the wine sites register of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Steingrube carries the number 730118 and, in the 2024 register, comprises a planted area of 148.3 hectares. The VDP classifies the Westhofen Steingrube as VDP.ERSTE LAGE with a classified area of 67.00 hectares.
