Riesling Estates in Rheinhessen
Rheinhessen is a huge vineyard area in the "knee" of the Rhine, the triangular area formed by the river as it bends westward at Mainz. The problem with Rheinhessen is that most of the wine, which accounts for 25 percent of Germany's total production, comes from vast fields of vines that produce inferior generic wine.
The best wine in Rheinhessen comes from a short stretch of vineyards on the river between Nackenheim and Nierstein, called the Roter Hang (red slope). These steep, south-facing vineyards are capable of producing stunning world-class Riesling.
Balbach
Mainzer Straße 64, 55283 Nierstein, Germany
Phone (+49) 6133-2341
Fax (+49) 6133-2431
This old estate is being revived by Fritz and Agnes Hasselbach, of the great Gunderloch estate, who took it over in 1996. They view it mostly as a second label to Gunderloch, but there is good potential in the vineyards and Fritz is just the guy to make the most of it. He's already caused quite a stir with the mesmerizing Eisweins he has made from the Niersteiner Oelberg vineyard.
Best vineyards
Niersteiner Pettenthal
Niersteiner Hipping
Niersteiner Oelberg
Gunderloch
Carl-Gunderloch-Platz 1, 55299 Nackenheim, Germany
Phone (+49) 6135-2341
Fax (+49) 6135-2431
E-mail weingut@gunderloch.de
www.gunderloch.de
Absolutely stunning wines from top-rated vineyards of the Roter Hang. The dry Rieslings are intensely concentrated and expressive of the red volcanic soil. The fruity wines are even more so, with their touch of sweetness that acts as a conduit for flavor and aroma. Top-notch winemaking.
Please see our review of this estate in the March/April 2000 issue of Riesling Report.
Best vineyards
Nackenheimer Rothenberg
Niersteiner Pettenthal
Niersteiner Hipping
Sankt Antony
Wörrstädter Straße 22, 55283 Nierstein, Germany
Phone (+49) 6133-5482
Fax (+49) 6133-5-9139
Well-crafted, elegant Rieslings from top-quality Nierstein vineyards. The is special emphasis here on aristocratic and full-bodied dry wines.
Best vineyards
Niersteiner Orbel
Niersteiner Oelberg
Niersteiner Pettenthal
Niersteiner Hipping
J. & H.A. Strub
Rheinstraße 42, 55283 Nierstein, Germany
Phone (+49) 6133-5649
Fax (+49) 6133-5501
Very good wines from an estate that's been doing a lot of experimenting lately, looking for ways to improve concentration and overall quality. Whole cluster pressing is one of the innovations that Walter Strub feels is important to preserve freshness and liveliness in the wines. It seems to be working. The wines are very enjoyable and are very good values.
Best vineyards
Niersteiner Orbel
Niersteiner Oelberg
Niersteiner Pettenthal
Niersteiner Hipping
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