Wine of the Day - Heppenheimer Steinkopf

The Steinkopf Riesling Spaetlese is the wine we had during the first half of our Christmas lunch starters, cream of carrot soup with ginger, Lachsterrine (salmon terrine). (With the venison main course we drank a Heppenheimer Fruehburgunder.)

(Photo: DWI/Dieth)

The name Steinkopf was first mentioned in 1517, literally it means Stone Head. It means stony bank or elevated place. It also refers to the particularly stony ground where it grows. This is the southern slopes of the narrow Hambach valley which is considered to be the warmest and steepest Bergstrasse vineyard. The small, steep area reaches along the ridge of the hill towards the West as far as the extension of the 'Erbelsschlucht' vineyard.  The Staatsweingut administers 3.5 Hectares (8.6 acres) of grapes on the original slopes of this steep area. At the top, the ground is coloured sandstone - weathered, crumbling ground on top of hard rock. Lower down, the ground is red sandstone where strong wine thrives with a fine, fresh, hearty acidity. It is very full-bodied and keeps well.  The steep, hanging slopes are criss-crossed with supporting walls and is dominated by an especially favourable mini-climate. The combination of optimal sun shine and high water retention of the ground makes the Terroir particularly special. 

Alongside the rich Spaetburgunder grows an interesting, full-bodied Chardonnay on 2.8 Hectares which is a fine, nutty Riesling with hints of minerals.