Location and Climate
The Ungeheuer vineyard site lies above Forst in the Palatinate. It is situated on a mid-slope position towards the Haardt edge at around 125 to 180 metres above sea level. The slope facing east to south-east has a gradient of up to 30 per cent; in parts the site is also described as flat with south and south-easterly exposure.
The site is protected from westerly winds. This is associated with an earlier flowering and an earlier ripening time than in other sites. The vineyards of Forst are also regarded as particularly mild.
Soils and Grape Varieties
The soils include weathered red sandstone (Buntsandstein), with proportions of loam and limestone, as well as calcareous gravel. In places, volcanic basalt occurs. According to the VDP description, these soil components enable both water retention and the development of mineral elements by the vines.
For the classified VDP vineyard site, Riesling is listed as the only grape variety. In the larger winegrowing area Ungeheuer, according to information from the municipality, Scheurebe and Riesling are also grown.
Wine Style and Classification
Wines from Ungeheuer are described as finely fruity, mineral, rich and full-bodied. Fruit notes mentioned include peach, apricot and pineapple. With suitable weather conditions, naturally sweet wines can also be produced.
Ungeheuer is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®. The VDP classification covers an area of 35 hectares and lists Riesling as the classified grape variety; the municipality describes the larger winegrowing area as 29 hectares.
Historical Designations
For the site, the VDP cites the top sites status of the Bavarian soil classification from 1828. The designation Forster Ungeheuer is linked there to Deidesheim district officer Johann Adam Ungeheuer and the year 1699. The municipality traces the name back to the form “Ungehuwer”, attested as early as 1460.
