Location and classification
Sternberg is a single vineyard site in the cadastral district of Pleitersheim. It belongs to the Großlage Rheingrafenstein and to the Bingen area in the Qualitätsweinbaugebiet Rheinhessen. The 2024 vineyard directory lists 68.6 hectares of planted vineyard area for Pleitersheim.
Topography and soils
The vineyards are located at around 150 to 180 metres above sea level and face north. The soil consists of loess, or pararendzina, formed during the Ice Ages from calcareous, wind-blown dust. Documented are deep-lying, light loam with clayey silt, good water storage available to plants, adequate aeration, a high nutrient content, a calcareous character, and good root penetration.
Wine style and grape varieties
The soil profile is associated with delicately fruity, yellow-fruited wines that bring to mind apple, peach, pear and citrus fruits. They show a slender structure, mild acidity, and are suitable for early drinking enjoyment. The estate Kitzer also describes the site as suitable for fine, delicate and lively white wines. In its Pleitersheim-Sternberg plots, it documents Riesling, Bacchus, Kerner, Silvaner, Dornfelder, Grauburgunder and Schwarzriesling.
Name and regional climate
The name of the vineyard site is already documented in 1522 in the form am Sternberg. According to regional classification, it may refer to an earlier owner or to the shape of the plot. Rheinhessen is considered a dry, sunshine-rich wine-growing region with low rainfall, mild autumns and a long growing season.
