Location and Topography
The Eichberg lies above Oberrotweil in Vogtsburg im Kaiserstuhl and forms a distinctive cone between Oberrotweil and Bischoffingen. The vineyard areas extend from about 230 to 310 metres above sea level. The slope gradient is approximately 10 to 50 per cent.
Climate and Soils
The Eichberg is among Germany’s warmest wine-growing sites. Southern and south-easterly exposures, as well as dark volcanic soils, promote high summer temperatures and release warmth at night. Through the Burgundian Gate, warm Mediterranean air can reach the Rhine plain. The rock includes, among other things, black volcanic ash, porous tuff, tephrite, phonolite and loess.
Vines and Wine Style
The fully sun-exposed site has exposures from south and south-east to south-west; within the Eichberg there are also parcels exposed to the east. Documented here are deeply rooted old vines, small-berried grapes and historic small terraced vineyards. The classified grape varieties are Grauer Burgunder and Spätburgunder. The wines are associated with clear fruit, a mineral character, power and ageing potential; the Spätburgunder in particular also shows a distinctly dark character.
Classification and Vinification
In the Baden growing region, the Eichberg is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® . The classified area comprises 16 hectares, the entire site about 20 hectares. The dry Grosses Gewächs wines are fermented completely and are mostly matured in Kaiserstuhl oak barrels; in addition, wines from the site mature in selected large and small wooden casks.
