Rotenberg
Famous vineyard sites
Rotenberg in Altenbamberg/Nahe
Rotenberg (literally, red hill) is a little known and very small, but special, vineyard site in the Alsenz River Valley. It is a steep site near Altenbamberg, a small village a few kilometers south of Bad Kreuznach - the wine capital of the Nahe region.
Altenbamberg is located at the base of the ancient castle ruins of Burg Altenbaumburg, directly faced by the Rotenberg site. Its name “red hill” derives from its soil – Rotliegendes, a mixture of weathered, clayish red slate and sandstone, whose iron oxide content lends it a bright red color – similar to the soils of Rheinhessen’s renowned Roter Hang, the vine-clad “red slope” that overlooks the Rhine in Nierstein and Nackenheim, south of Mainz. The soil stamps the character of the first-rate Riesling wines produced here: they are both spicy and complex, but need at least a couple of years of bottle aging for their rough edges to mellow and aromas to come forth.
Altenbamberger Rotenberg’s original size of 9 ha has been consciously reduced to a productive area of some 6 ha. Due to the steepness of the site, much vineyard maintenance and harvesting must be done by hand. Furthermore, given the site’s proximity to the forest, there is an annual battle with birds, boar and deer that literally can “devour” the crop. Nevertheless, the estate treasures the site, most of which is planted with Riesling; 0.3 ha with Weißburgunder. A predominantly southern exposure and protection from cold winds by the forested tops of the Hunsrück Hills make for a favorable microclimate. The vines at higher elevations ripen more slowly than those at the foothills, but the longer ripening period yields extremely aromatic wines.
Tips for Tourists
Gut Hermannsberg (8 km north of the Rotenberg site) is idyllically perched on a hillside in the midst of vines. From the tasting room’s beautiful terrace there are panoramic views – a memorable backdrop for a glass of wine. The estate offers a Vinothek and several individually furnished rooms and apartments. It is a short hike through the vineyards to the next restaurant for a good meal. (gut-hermannsberg.de)
Don’t miss the fabulous view of the Rotenberg vineyard from the terrace of the castle restaurant, Burgrestaurant Altenbaumburg, after having a look at the open-air castle ruins. The menu features seasonal specialties. (altenbaumburg.de)
Fitness fans: The spas in Bad Kreuznach and Bad Munster am Stein-Ebernburg are near Altenbamberg and Niederhausen. The region also offers several well-marked cycling and hiking trails. An especially picturesque hike takes in the trio of castles around Bad Münster am Stein-Ebernburg: Altenbaumburg, Rheingrafenstein and Ebernburg – replete with splendid vantage points.
From Altenbamberg it is just a few minutes drive to Gut Hermannsberg in Niederhausen (mentioned above) or castle accommodations at Johann Lafer’s Stromburg in Stromberg. Lafer, one of Germany’s pioneer TV chefs, runs a top-class operation in the Stromburg castle (more information here: germanwines.de) Last but not least: experience the friendly atmosphere of the Kruger-Rumpf wine estate’s Weinstube in Münster-Sarmsheim, near Bingen. Stefan Rumpf is an excellent winemaker; his wife Cornelia, an excellent cook. Cozy premises and idyllic outdoors, on the terrace. (kruger-rumpf.de)
The Maiden with a Heart of Stone
Last but not least.....the legend of Burg Altenbaumburg castle: “The Maiden with a Heart of Stone.” The Raugraf (count) of Altenbaumburg had a wild, daredevil daughter who loved to ride, hunt and fight. Since the tomboy had no intention of falling in love and rejected all suitors, she came to be known as the “maiden with a heart of stone.”
One day, while she was sitting beneath a tree near the castle gate, a dark and ugly woman with seven hungry little boys approached her and asked for some bread. The maiden showed no mercy and shouted that she and her brood should go away. The desperate woman fell to her knees and continued to beg, whereupon the maiden ran off, threatening to set the dogs on the wretched bunch. As they left, the crone swore back at the heartless maiden with a prophecy: “You, too, will be a mother someday, the mother of seven boys all at once. They will be the curse of your life. When your life has turned into a living hell, perhaps then you’ll remember how you heartlessly turned away a mother in need.”
The maiden was upset by the curse, and more determined than ever not to marry...until she ran into a childhood playmate, who had returned to the region after years of travel. She fell in love with and married the knight of Monfort and within a year she was indeed the mother of seven little boys. Horrified that the beggar’s curse was coming true, she came up with a scheme to “change” her destiny.
Since her husband was away when she gave birth and didn’t know how many children had been born, she ordered an old, trusted servant to drown six of the babies. The servant carried them away in her apron – but en route to the pond, she encountered the knight, on his way home. He aked her what she had in her apron, and the frightened woman stuttered “puppies.” When the knight had a look, he saw the six baby boys and learned of his wife’s wicked plot. He drowned the servant and took the babies to a safe place. Back at home, he didn’t mention the incident, but his wife sensed that his love for her had grown cold. Indeed, the knight left her, taking the last baby with him.
Left alone to deal with her bad conscience, the woman became genuinely penitent. Ultimately, the knight of Monfort heard of her change of heart. He also yearned to see his other sons. Before doing so, he decided to stop at the castle to see if the rumors about his spouse were true. He arrived, camouflaged as a pilgrim, and was shocked to see a pale, drawn woman in a penitential robe. He then revealed his identity, whereby the woman began to sob, admitted her atrocity, and announced her plans to enter a convent.
The knight quickly rode away, but returned by evening to tell his wife that God is merciful and his mercy had absolved her of her sin. He, too, was willing to forgive her. He then ushered her into another room, where seven healthy five-year-old boys were playing together. The curse of the beggar had been broken, for the maiden with a heart of stone had been transformed into a loving person. And the young family of nine lived happily ever after.