Where our grapes grow

• Lorch

  A high-quality and therefore extremely exciting wine town, located in the far west of the wine-growing region. A deed of donation from 1085 already mentions a “vinea bonea” (good vineyard). Due to very different soil types (e.g., quartzite, slate), we find very high-quality Rieslings and Pinot Noirs, the rare Silvaner with a fascinating charisma, and exquisite Gewürztraminers. At the winery, we cultivate the slate-covered steep slope “Lorcher Krone” with the Silvaner grape variety. This is an extremely steep slope with pure slate soil. Here, an expressive, almost ingenious Silvaner grows.

• Assmannshausen

  The small town with a global reputation for winegrowing. As is almost always the case in the Rheingau, the documented history of winegrowing begins with a mention in ecclesiastical sources. Here in Assmannshausen, it was a document from 1108. The Marienhausen monastery in nearby Aulhausen is of outstanding importance for winegrowing in Assmannshausen. The Cistercian convent was founded during the lifetime of Bernard of Clairvaux and was a “refuge” of the important Eberbach monastery. The Cistercian convent was founded during the lifetime of Bernard of Clairvaux and was a “subordinate” of the important “Eberbach Monastery.” The nuns are credited with clearing and cultivating the Assmannshäuser Höllenberg vineyard over many centuries. This achievement is considered an important milestone in women's emancipation: “Women in the Rheingau are allowed to do even the heaviest work independently.”

  The quality of Assmannshäuser wines is proverbial in the truest sense of the word. On behalf of numerous prominent wine connoisseurs (including Bismarck, Goethe, Fuchs, von Zobelitz, and Hornikel), Johann Carl Leuchs wrote in 1829: “The red wines from Assmannshausen in the Rheingau are highly valued, even above the red wines of Burgundy, for their high degree of strength.” Equally famous are the health benefits of the red Assmannshäuser.

  The most famous vineyard is the “Assmannshäuser Höllenberg.” The name ‘Höllenberg’ is derived from the Old German word “helda,” an old Rheingau term for a slope or steep hillside. The “Höllenberg” is located in the valley cut away from the Rhine with a pure south-facing orientation and on the side facing the Rhine with a southwest orientation. The soil of the vineyard, which is up to 65% steep, consists of very homogeneous violet-colored phyllite slate, which gives the wine an unmistakable flavor. Another special feature is the nightly fall winds from the wooded heights. The cool nights give the wine an intense aroma and an invigorating freshness. The steep slopes with intense sunlight give the wines strength and complexity. These natural conditions and the classic mash fermentation give the red Assmannshäuser Spätburgunder its special “terroir.”

• Rüdesheim

  The famous “Rüdesheimer Berg” vineyards are located in Rüdesheim. This includes the “Rüdesheimer Berg Schloßberg” with its eponymous and dominant landmark, the Ehrenfels castle ruins. The clearing (cultivation) of the steep slopes dates back to a decree issued by Archbishop Bardo of Mainz (in 1040). In the past, the vineyards were planted with the so-called “mixed set,” a hodgepodge of various historical grape varieties. Riesling has only dominated since the mid-18th century. Only on foot can the astonished observer see how steeply the “Schloßberg” slopes down to the Rhine. It is hard to believe that one can stand there, let alone work. The (quartzite) soil is stony, barren, and dry. The sun beats down mercilessly on the rows of vines. The vines can only survive if they penetrate deep into the hard soil and absorb every last drop of water. Root depths of over 15 m have been measured. The grapes are small and highly aromatic. Wine connoisseurs are rewarded with wines that are second to none. They combine so many incredible qualities. They are concentrated and delicate and highly aromatic, with an invigorating freshness and enormous presence. And all that in one glass.