The Vineyards

SOIL

Heerkretz consists at deep level of rhyolite, the light magmatic volcanic rock of the Rotliegend. Also known as porphyry, the stone evolved in the geological era Perm through development of few, but large crystals due to slow cooling when rising within the earth’s interior. As overlay you find flat to medium grounded, stony, sandy clay soil with limited water holding capacity, but good aeration. Many small and large stones affect a strong heating of the soil in the summer months, giving off heat to the vines at night and therewith enhancing ripe and healthy grapes. An exceptional soil, which covers only 1% of the total cultivation area in Rheinhessen.

POSITION & CLIMATE

200 meters above mean sea level, Heerkretz is situated with a tendency of 5% in a flat ridge position of the Sandberg. As classical representative of the sunniest and driest wine growing area in Central Europe, there is an absence of major precipitations as primary west winds are deflected by the Eichelberg, located in the west. In 2018 we monitored 580 mm precipitations, which were mainly caused by cloudbursts and summer thunderstorms in May and June, whereby the west-east row-orientation helped fast drying of vines and leafs.  With an average temperatur of 13°C, Heerkretz is our warmest vineyard, offering exceptional maturing conditions for healthy and essence-rich grapes.

WINES

At Heerkretz develop elegant Rieslings, Silvaners and Weiße Burgunders with pronounced mineral flavors. Stony, smoky flintstone accents are introduced by the rhyolite. Apple, peach and citrus aromas with lively freshness are dominating. Particularly Rieslings show racy acidity. Heerkretz stands for elegant, complex, powerful wines, which develop their full potential with sufficient maturing time. A vineyard with Cru character.