Location and Climate
Reichenau is an island municipality in Lake Constance and lies in the southern Wine Region Baden. Lake Constance acts as a heat reservoir and a reflector of light. As a result, the wine-growing climate is considered mild, with less fluctuation in temperatures and protection against early-spring and autumn frosts.
Hochwart and Wine-Growing History
The vineyards around the Hochwart are located on elevated slopes. At about 441 metres above sea level and around 40 metres above the surrounding island terrain, Hochwart is the highest point in Reichenau. Winegrowing has been documented on the island since the eighth century and was closely linked to the former Benedictine monastery.
The severe frost in winter 1928/29 temporarily interrupted the long-standing winegrowing tradition. A land consolidation in the 1970s supported the development of modern vineyard plots, including slopes that were unsuitable for vegetable cultivation. A vine training/plant relocation cooperative founded in 1975 carries out mechanical work for many winegrowers in Reichenau. The winegrowers’ association lists around 22 hectares of vine plots whose grapes are processed in its cellar.
Grape Varieties and Wine Styles
On Reichenau, among others, Müller-Thurgau, Blauer Spätburgunder, Gutedel, Grauburgunder, Kerner, Muskateller, Chardonnay and Weißburgunder are grown. In the vineyards around Hochwart, Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder, Kerner and Gutedel are documented. Müller-Thurgau is the most widely planted grape variety on the island. Spätburgunder is used for red wine, Weißherbst and Blanc de Noir.
The white wines are described as modern, fresh and fruity; documented are dry and fine-hybrid wines from Müller-Thurgau, Grauburgunder, Chardonnay and Weißburgunder. The red wines are produced mainly from Spätburgunder and are made dry, fine-hybrid or matured as Weißherbst. Wines with the designation Reichenauer Hochwart are documented as German Quality Wine.
Cultivation and Maturation
The grapes for the wines of the winegrowers’ association are picked carefully by hand on the island. East of St George’s Church in Oberzell, since 2009, disease-resistant varieties Souvignier Gris, Cabernet Cortis and Muscaris have been planted, which are cultivated in a controlled organic manner. Red wines are fermented partly traditionally on the skins and then matured in large and small wooden casks.
