
The Steinberg was the Cistercians' favorite vineyard. By 1239, they had gradually acquired the entire site. But there were other interested parties as well... To protect their grapes from thieves and wild animals, the monks built a high wall that still surrounds the vineyard today. The tithe plot is the oldest parcel in the Steinberg. Vines were planted here even before the founding of Eberbach Monastery in 1136. Until the 19th century, the monastery had to pay a wine tithe on this old vineyard plot to St. Peter's Abbey in Mainz. The tithe right gave the church a ten percent right to the plot's profits, which were paid in cash or in kind. The slope of the tithe plot faces southwest. It has medium to deep, skeletal soil with good drainage. It is composed of tertiary sands and gravel, alternating layers of gravel and gravelly-sandy clay (sandy clay with a small amount of limestone). Color: Light, youthful yellow with delicate golden reflections. Aroma: Clear citrus and peach aromas with herbal spice and mineral notes. Taste: Delicately juicy, not entirely dry fruit with vegetal spice and very fine acidity. Mineral notes on the palate, a very elegant, harmonious style with a good finish.