Location and classification
DICKER FRANZ is a vineyard site in Sulzfeld in the Kraichgau and belongs to the Baden winegrowing region. The site, located directly below the Ravensburg, is on the south-west-facing slope above Sulzfeld. The VDP classifies DICKER FRANZ, Sulzfeld, as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® with a classified area of 3.81 hectares.
Topography and soils
The exposure ranges from south-west to south-south-west, with a slope gradient of up to 35 per cent. The vineyards are located at around 220 to 260 metres above sea level. Deep soils with mineralic Keuper gypsum characterise the site.
Climate and cultivation
The south-south-west exposure allows sunshine until sunset. Cool easterly winds are held back by the site, while ventilation is provided from the west. The site is entirely owned by the Burg Ravensburg winery. In 2020, the Blaufränkisch vines were only lightly defoliated during ripening in order to support phenolic ripeness.
Grape variety and history
The classified grape variety is Blaufränkisch, also known in Germany as Lemberger. Burg Ravensburg winery produces wines from the site as Blaufränkisch and markets them as VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS. The vineyard is named after Baron Franz Göler von Ravensburg, who lived from 1701 to 1765 and was known in the family history as the Dicker Herr. The site is historically linked with Blaufränkisch; the first plantings are said to date from the period after the Thirty Years' War.
