Location and soils
Himmelberg is classified as a single vineyard Michelfelder Himmelberg in Angelbachtal-Michelfeld in the Kraichgau wine-growing region Baden. The vineyard soils consist of calcareous loam and loess over medium Keuper sandstone. Loess loam and Keuper soils are also described.
Cultivation and grape varieties
The documented cultivation methods include biodynamic work according to Demeter guidelines, the use of cover crop mixes, and the avoidance of insecticides. By thinning or splitting the bunches, yields in Pinot Noir are reduced to 35 or 40 litres per ar, and in Blaufränkisch to 50 litres per ar.
At Himmelberg, among others, Weißburgunder (also known as Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Riesling, Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Traminer, Blaufränkisch (also known as Lemberger), Schwarzriesling and Sauvignon Blanc are planted.
Wine styles and ageing
Dry wines are documented from Weißburgunder, Spätburgunder, Blaufränkisch and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a sweetish Riesling Kabinett. The wines carry the designations Qualitätswein beziehungsweise QbA and the regional origin statement Baden.
For ageing, among other things, spontaneous or cool fermentation in stainless steel, open traditional must fermentation for red wines, small oak barrels, a 500-litre wooden cask on the full lees, and a granite vessel are mentioned.
Historical reference
The former Reichsgraf and Marquis zu Hoensbroech winery was founded in 1968 in Angelbachtal-Michelfeld. Its holdings included the consolidated vineyard areas of Michelfelder Himmelberg.
