Location and landscape
Sulzfeld lies on the eastern edge of the Karlsruhe district in Baden, in the eastern Kraichgau. The 1,876-hectare municipal area is situated at an elevation of 196 to 280 metres and is characterised by a hilly landscape with vineyards on the Kraichgau slopes.
Vine growing and history
With just under 100 hectares of productive vineyard land, Sulzfeld is one of the larger wine-growing municipalities of North Baden. Vine growing has been documented since 1245. The local history is closely linked to Ravensburg Castle and the Göler of Ravensburg family; Sulzfeld was already mentioned before 1077, and the castle for the first time in 1212. Its main tower was built around 1220.
Vineyard sites and soils
The Burg Ravensburger Husarenkappe, the Burg Ravensburger Dicker Franz and the Burg Ravensburger Löchle are classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® . Their Keuper soils include, among other things, gypsum Keuper; in the Löchle, shell limestone, blue marl and clay-rich material are also found. The south-west-facing Husarenkappe and the Dicker Franz lie at 220 to 260 metres, while the Löchle extends from 190 to 260 metres.
Grape varieties and climate
In the Husarenkappe, Riesling is classified; in the Dicker Franz, Blaufränkisch, which in Baden and Württemberg is also known as Lemberger. The Löchle is linked with White Burgundy, Grey Burgundy and Spätburgunder. The Sulzfeld Lerchenberg is a VDP.ERSTE LAGE® with 46 hectares of land, south-facing slopes, gypsum Keuper and loess soils, and the classified grape variety Lemberger. Its concave slope shape creates a warm, sheltered microclimate in the Löchle; the Dicker Franz receives sunshine until sunset and is protected from cold easterly winds.
