Location and Classification
Steyerberg is a registered single-vineyard site in Schweppenhausen in the wine-growing region Nahe. The Rhineland-Palatinate wine-sites directory lists the site for the 2024 vintage with an area of 24.4 hectares. Steyerberg is a ridge between the Steyerbach valley and Eckenroth; the Steyerberg estate is located on its plateau.
Topography and Soils
The vineyards comprise steep slopes facing south and south-east, documented with an inclination of about 33 to 45 degrees. The sites are situated at heights of more than 300 metres above sea level. Cooler winds from the Hunsrück are documented as a climatic influence. The soils consist of green and slate rock weathering.
Cultivation
The Steyerberg estate has been farming the site since 1989 according to biodynamic principles and is Demeter-certified. Due to the steep terrain, mechanical support is only possible between the rows of vines; the remaining work is carried out by hand. This includes manual vine care with thinning and growth regulation, as well as hand harvest.
Varieties and Vinification
At the Schweppenhausen Steyerberg, Riesling is grown. The local description links it to a mineral character and a style typical of cooler sites. In the cellar, spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts is carried out and, depending on the winery’s decision, ageing on the lees, bâtonnage and maturation in stainless steel or wooden casks are documented.
