Location and classification
The Hallgartener Würzgarten is a single vineyard site in Hallgarten, a district of Oestrich-Winkel in Rheingau. It lies to the west of the town and is assigned to the Großlage Hallgartener Mehrhölzchen.
Altitude and aspect
The vineyards are located at around 200 to 290 metres above sea level. The site faces predominantly south; a documented main parcel has a south to south-west aspect below the tree line. Due to the altitude and the southern exposure, the Würzgarten is considered to ripen late. This is associated with a slow ripening of the grapes and a cooler aromatic profile.
Soils and classification
The soils range from gravelly loess to deep loess-loam soils. The subsoil is described as Taunus quartzite, while the topsoil has quartz fragments and material rich in shell. The VDP classifies the Hallgartener Würzgarten as VDP.ERSTE LAGE® with a classified area of 38.00 hectares. The classified grape variety stated is Riesling.
Character and history
Wines from the Würzgarten are described as spicy and varied, with a piquant mineral note. The name goes back to herb gardens that were previously associated with rural, secular and monastery-run estates. For a Hallgartener Würzgarten Riesling, hand-harvested grapes, spontaneous fermentation and an ageing period of around seven months in stainless steel tanks and wooden casks are documented.
