Location and classification
Wißberg is a single vineyard site that spans across municipal boundaries in Gau-Weinheim and Wallertheim in the wine-growing region Rheinhessen. The official classification is Area Bingen, Großlage Kurfürstenstück, single vineyard Wißberg.
Area and topography
The 2024 vineyard register records 54.9 hectares of planted vineyard area in Gau-Weinheim and 13.8 hectares in the Wallertheim part for Wißberg. The vineyard site is located at the foot and on the south-facing slope of the approximately 271-metre-high Wißberg in the Rhenish Hilly Land. It faces south and is protected from cold northerly winds; the terrain opens into a southward-facing hollow.
Soils and wines
The documented soils include loess and weathered limestone rock. The technical description also names a deep, calcareous marl-Pelosol with calcareous clayey deposits from the Tertiary sea. This soil features source clay, restricted drainage and aeration, a high nutrient content, and a strong calcareous content. The wine character described from this is full-bodied, dense and richly fruited with moderate acidity, a creamy texture, ripe fruit and lower perceived minerality.
Grape varieties and history
Chardonnay, Grauburgunder, Weißburgunder and Spätburgunder are successfully cultivated at Wißberg. The name of the vineyard has been documented historically in forms such as Witzerberg from the year 720, Wisseberg from the year 1372 and uff dem Wyseberge from the year 1435. A deed of donation from the year 771 mentions, in the area of Gau-Weinheim, vineyard ownership on the mountain Wizenberc, which is identified with Wißberg.
