Location and orientation
Zehnmorgen is a vineyard site in Nierstein in the wine-growing region Rheinhessen. It extends almost to the banks of the Rhine and is oriented to the east. As a result, the site receives early-morning sunshine; the Rhine reflects sunlight and provides cooling air.
Relief and soils
The site rises from around 94 metres above sea level on the Rhine to approximately 124 metres. The slope gradient is 20 to 30 percent. A small plateau, or terrace, is enclosed by an old vineyard wall. The soil is clay-rich and has exposed pieces of limestone, as well as large limestone rocks in the subsoil; in the VDP site profile it is classified as calcareous marl. This geology shaped by limestone and clay is considered untypical for the Lower Roten Hang, where elsewhere red material originating from the Rotliegend predominates.
Vines and parcel
At Zehnmorgen, there are Riesling vines that are over 50 years old. The site has not been consolidated; the terrace, soil composition and parcel structure have remained unchanged. St. Antony refers to Zehnmorgen as Monopol. The site covers around two hectares and belongs entirely to the winery.
Classification and wine
The name Zehnmorgen is derived from the historical unit of area Morgen: ten Morgen correspond to approximately 2.5 hectares. The VDP lists Zehnmorgen as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® with 1.21 hectares of classified area and Riesling as the classified grape variety. The current bottling from St. Antony is a dry Riesling, designated as VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS® and, according to the winery’s product information, made biologically and certified according to Demeter.
