Nierstein

ÖLBERG | VDP.GROSSE LAGE

80 - 170 m in elevation, approx. 65 – 120% gradient, red clay slate, 11.32 classified hectares

Ölberg is the southernmost vineyard site of Kühling-Gillot on the Roter Hang and the estate’s only Grosses Gewächs site with a pure southern exposure. With its unobstructed view of the Rhine, it is among the warmest vineyard origins in the estate’s portfolio. Like many historic vineyard sites, Ölberg likely has ecclesiastical roots. Whether the vineyard once belonged to a monastery, derives its name from a devotional monument depicting Christ on the Mount of Olives, or refers to the former cultivation of oil-bearing crops such as poppy, hemp or rapeseed, can no longer be determined with certainty. Following its acquisition, the heavily overgrown site required extensive restoration work before the vines planted in 1990 could be uncovered and returned to cultivation. Today, the vines root deeply into the red clay slate soils, making dry farming possible despite the vineyard’s warm exposition. Cover crops, biodynamic viticulture and straw mulching improve the soil’s water-retention capacity and help preserve the vineyard’s natural balance.

The steepest section of Ölberg reaches gradients of up to 65%, demanding exceptional care and dedication from tus year after year. 

The result is a Riesling of power and precision, distinguished by the openness, generosity and expressive character that are unique to Ölberg. Covering a total of 66 hectares, the vineyard has been regarded for centuries as one of the outstanding sites of the Roter Hang. Today, only 11.32 hectares are classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®.