Bodman-Ludwigshafen

Bodman-Ludwigshafen lies on the north-west shore of Lake Überlingen, the western part of Lake Constance, in Baden-Württemberg. The municipality comprises the local districts of Bodman and Ludwigshafen and belongs to the natural landscape of Hegau.

The landscape consists of molasse hills on the Ludwigshafen side, a low-lying zone at the mouth of the Stockacher Aach, and part of the Bodan ridge near Bodman. Elevations range from 394.05 metres at the Stockacher Aach to 693.59 metres south of Bodman.

In the Ludwigshafen area, sands and marl of the Lower Freshwater Molasse shape the subsoil. In places, deposits from the Würm glaciation (gravel), moraine material and basin clay lie above them.

The influence of Lake Constance moderates temperatures, reduces seasonal extremes and favours a long, mild autumn as well as a comparatively long frost-free growing season. Vineyards in the Lake Constance wine region are often located at around 400 to 560 metres above sea level; the lake surface also reflects sunlight towards the nearby vineyard plots.

Bodman-Ludwigshafen lies in the Badish wine-growing area of Lake Constance; Baden is assigned to EU wine-growing zone B. The approximately 1.3-hectare Königsweingarten is located in Bodman and, according to information about the history of the estate, has been continuously tended by the von Bodman family since 1277.

In the vineyard, Blue Pinot Noir (Blauer Spätburgunder), Müller-Thurgau and Souvignier Gris are grown. Some vines were replaced in 2011 by Souvignier Gris, which was introduced because of its resistance to fungal diseases, in particular downy mildew. A dry red wine and a semi-dry white autumn wine are produced from Blauer Spätburgunder, and a dry white wine from Müller-Thurgau. The Spätburgunder is matured at the State Winegrowing Institute in Meersburg.

According to the history of the estate, in 884 Emperor Charles III planted Burgundy vines in Bodman during a stay at his local royal court there.