Location and classification
The Elisabethenberg lies on the south-west-facing slopes of the Hohentwiel and is connected with Hilzingen and Singen in Baden. The producer farms it as a single-vineyard within the greater Hohentwiel district.
Altitude and soils
The vineyards extend to around 560 metres above sea level and are oriented south-south-west. Altitude and orientation shape the microclimate. In the upper area, the soil is made up of volcanic weathering; at the foot of the slopes it merges with glacial terminal moraine. The volcanic surroundings of the Hohentwiel include phonolite and weathered volcanic material.
Cultivation and history
Since 1928, the Vollmayer family has been cultivating vines on the Elisabethenberg. The site was replanted from 1934, initially on 3.85 hectares; in 1962, the first commercial buildings were created at the foot of the slopes. Since 2010 it has been farmed organically, and, according to the estate, since the 2013 vintage it has been certified as organic. The documented measures include ecological farming, measures to promote soil health and yield reduction.
Grape varieties and wine-making
In the Elisabethenberg monopole, Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and Spätburgunder are cultivated. The Elisabethenberg wines are divided into Gutslage, Berglage and Höchste Lage: they each stand for fruit-forward, fresh wines, wines with a mineral structure, and wines from the highest parcels with ageing potential. After the short transport to the cellar, the grapes are processed quickly and gently. Controlled fermentation, longer maturation on fine lees, traditional mash fermentation and maturation in wooden barrels are among the documented cellar practices. Selected wines from the highest parcels mature in wood and are bottled without filtration.
