Westhofener Steingrube

Once a quarry, today a vineyard

The single vineyard "Steingrube" begins directly at the village. It is characterised by limestone rocks with a thin layer of sandy loam. The site was first mentioned in a document in 1295 with the name "dicto stheingrube". The name of the vineyard refers to a quarry, which can still be easily traced today. Mineral Rieslings, but also Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc grow here.

> Regional history of Westhofen: https://www.regionalgeschichte.net/rheinhessen/westhofen.html
> The quarry is no longer recognizable. But in Gundersheim, a neighboring village of Westhofen, the former quarry "Rosengarten" offers beautiful walks. Please be sure to follow the rules, nature reserve! https://wonnegau.bund-rlp.de/themen-und-projekte/naturschutzgebiet-kalksteinbrueche-rosengarten/
> To the other individual sites of Westhofen: Aulerde, Brunnenhäuschen, Kirchspiel and Morstein

facts and figures

sub-region:: Wonnegau
collective vineyard site:: Bergkloster
single vineyard site:: Steingrube
village:: Westhofen

soil types

Loess / Pararendzina

Wind deposition of calcareous dust in the ice ages

fertile, deep, light loam soil, clayey silt, very good storage capacity for plant-available soil water, adequate aeration, nutrient-rich, calcareous, moderate warmability, good rootability, high growth potential

Yellow-fruity aromas, apple, peach, pear, citrus, delicately fruity, slim, refreshing, gentle acidity, medium-strong structure, juicy elegant, drinkable early, tasty charm, uncomplicated complexity, fruity, cheerful expression

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Limestone clay / terra rossa

Tertiary marine deposit of achalky algae reef, weathered to red loam

Deep brick-red, calcareous, clayey loam soil, good water storage capacity, adequate ventilation, good nutrition supply, calcareous, sufficient rooting, medium heatability

young wines are reluctant, smoky, mineral, low in fruit, integrated acidity, full-bodied, require development time, balance comes with bottle aging, tension, tight mouthfeel, high potential

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