Location and landscape
Untertürkheim is a district of Stuttgart and lies directly on the Neckar in the Neckar valley. Steep vineyard slopes and areas given over to viticulture shape the surroundings of the elevations of Altenberg and Mönchberg. The area belongs to the wine-growing region Württemberg.
Viticulture and climate
Untertürkheim is a traditional wine-growing area, in which the vineyards form a significant part of the landscape. Stuttgart describes the climate as sunny and mild. The adjacent vineyards produce cool, fresh air at night, which flows down towards the Neckar.
History and grape varieties
Untertürkheim was first mentioned in documents in 1200; historically, wine-growing was one of the most important sources of income for the residents. The Untertürkheim wine manufactory was founded in 1887 by 34 winegrowers on the initiative of Mayor Eduard Fiechtner. On 1 April 1905, the place was incorporated into Stuttgart.
Documented grape varieties include, among others, Lemberger, Merlot, Spätburgunder, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Trollinger, Syrah, Viognier and Gewürztraminer. The wines include white, rosé, red, sweet and sparkling versions.
Production and work in the vineyards
For the highest classification, the local cooperative documents selective hand-harvesting, sharply reduced yields and strict monitoring of vineyard work throughout the entire growing season. Traditional production methods, in which selected red wines are matured in large wooden or barrique casks, as well as bottle fermentation for sparkling wines, are also among the documented methods.
