The Steinberg vineyard was the Cistercians' favorite. 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 Zehntstück (tithe plot) is the oldest parcel in the Steinberg. Vines were already cultivated here before the founding of Eberbach Abbey in 1136. Until the 19th century, the abbey had to pay the wine tithe on this old vineyard plot to St. Peter's Abbey in Mainz. The tithe was a ten percent right of the church to the profits from the plot, which was paid in cash or in kind. The Zehntstück slope faces southwest. It has a medium to deep, skeletal soil with good drainage. This soil consists of Tertiary sands and gravels, alternating layers of pebbles, and gravelly-sandy clay (sandy clay with a small admixture of limestone). Color: light, youthful yellow with delicate golden reflections. Aroma: Clear citrus and peach aromas with herbal spice and mineral notes. Taste: Finely juicy, not quite dry fruit with vegetal spice and very fine acidity. Mineral notes on the palate, a very elegant, harmonious style with a good finish.