Location and Classification
The Burggarten is a single-vineyard site, the Heimersheimer Burggarten, in the Heimersheim district of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler in the winegrowing region Ahr. The vineyards lie near the basalt cone of the Landskrone in the lower Ahr valley.
Topography and Soils
The site extends from about 80 to 200 metres above sea level. Its aspects range from south-east to south-west; the associated VDP site profile specifies a south-facing exposure and a maximum slope gradient of 50 per cent. Documented soils include greywacke, greywacke slate, loess, loess loam, basalt, as well as stony, clay-rich material.
Vineyard Area and Grape Variety
The Burggarten comprises a total of around 14.3 hectares; of this, 8.07 hectares are designated as classified area in the VDP site profile. The classified grape variety listed is Spätburgunder. The VDP classifies the site as VDP.GROSSE LAGE. This is a VDP classification and not a statutory German winegrowing classification.
Origin of the Name and Wine Style
The name Burggarten is attributed to the former castle complex, which Philipp of Swabia had built as an imperial residence at the Landskrone. According to the type of soil, the winery states that Spätburgunder from greywacke is oriented towards fruit and spice, from loess and loess loam towards fuller-bodied wines, and from basalt towards powerful wines. The steep slopes are worked intensively by hand, as stated by the associated winery; the Spätburgunder wines ripen exclusively in wooden or barrique casks.
