In relation to
the characteristic of the wine,
the sandy loess appears to be the little brother
of the loess.The vines are not quite as well provided.
The soil supplies a little less water and
nutrients, with immediate effects on the wine.
The wine is finer and slightly less full-bodied.
The acidity is balanced but not sharp. The
decreased body of the wine means that the
acidity is more prominent. The wines are
thinner and crisper than those produced
on loess soils. The sandy loess also furnishes the wine with
an agreeable tangy
tartness. The delicate fine fruit aromas
are clear but appear more reserved than
those found in loess wines.
The distinct
aroma of nectar is an interesting nuance.
Sandy loess wines are spring wines that
evoke associations with the onset of the
flowering of almonds.
The
Steinkopf is located north east of Heppenheim at the foot of
the Hessische Bergstrasse above the Hambach valley. The west
facing gentle slope is located 160 m above
sea level. The vineyard receives moderately high levels of solar radiation during
the vegetation period.
