Location and landscape
Efringen-Kirchen lies in the southern Markgräflerland and stretches along the Rhine from the Rhine plain into the loess-covered hilly countryside. The municipality comprises nine officially named districts. The terrain rises from about 230 to 265 metres above sea level up to the Markgräfler Hills, in which the Katzenberg reaches 397 metres. Steep slopes characterise the Isteiner Klotz, a Jurassic limestone block at the eastern edge of the Upper Rhine rift.
Viticulture
Viticulture is an important economic activity on the steep slopes of the Isteiner Klotz and on the Hochgestade. The southernmost vineyard sites of the Baden wine region are considered climatically favourable and produce both red and white quality wines. Documented sites include the Ölberg and the Wolfer.
Grape varieties and wine style
In Ölberg and Wolfer, among others, Gutedel, Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder, Cabernet Blanc, Regent, Monarch and Cabernet Carol are planted. The wines from these sites are described as fruit-forward with a mild acidity. Also documented is a Muscateller from steep plots, which is harvested by hand, pressed after 28 hours on the mash contact, fermented cool and matured on the lees in stainless steel.
Historical connection
The present main settlement of Efringen-Kirchen was created in 1942 through the merger of Efringen and Kirchen. Istein, today a district of the municipality, has been documented since 1139 and was historically linked to a significant manor farm and viticulture.
