Location and viticulture
Singen (Hohentwiel) is located in the western Lake Constance Hegau, about ten kilometres west of Lake Constance. On the south flank of the Hohentwiel lies the single-vineyard Olgaberg, which belongs to the Bodensee winegrowing region within the winegrowing region Baden.
Elevation and soils
The vines on the Hohentwiel grow up to a height of about 560 metres above sea level. The Olgaberg is a steep, terraced vineyard site. The Hohentwiel is a volcanic landscape form with an exposed core made of phonolite. The vineyard soils consist of weathered volcanic material and mineral-rich volcanic substrates.
Climate and grape varieties
Lake Constance moderates the climate, as it stores heat and reduces temperature differences between day and night as well as between summer and winter. The winegrowing area is characterised by a long, mild autumn, a long frost-free growing season and comparatively rare frost damage. From April to October, around 1,400 hours of sunshine are recorded. On the Hohentwiel, among others, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Grauburgunder and Weißburgunder grow; Müller-Thurgau is described as delicate and fine-fruited.
Development of viticulture
Viticulture in Singen was discontinued in 1912. In 1928, Robert Vollmayer began replanting the Olgaberg and thereby introduced modern viticulture on the Hohentwiel. The vineyards on the Hohentwiel cover around 22 hectares. The State Winery Meersburg has been cultivating the Olgaberg ecologically since the year 2000; the ecologically adapted terracing is intended to create habitats for endangered plant and animal species, and chemical plant protection products are not used there.
