Location and Classification
Hohe Gräte is the official single-vineyard site Karsdorfer Hohe Gräte in the wine-growing region Saale-Unstrut, area Schloss Neuenburg. It lies to the east of Karsdorf on the north side of the Unstrut valley and comprises areas in the cadastral districts of Steigra, Karsdorf and Wennungen. As of 31 December 2024, 20.0330 hectares were planted.
Relief, Climate and Soils
The south- to south-south-west-facing slope at the edge of the Querfurt Plateau provides strong exposure to the sun and cold-air drainage due to temperature effects. The elevation is given as about 110 to 220 metres above sea level, with the slope reaching up to 45 per cent. The climate is characterised by low rainfall, warm summers and mild winters; the growing season is considered to be about a week longer than the regional average.
In the vineyard, open gypsum Keuper and Muschelkalk (limestone) occur. For a documented parcel, platy, flesh-coloured fibrous gypsum and a geological connection with calcareous sandstone are described.
Historic Parcel Kathert
The documented parcel Kathert comprised about 1,000 to 1,064 vines in 55 rows. It was planted partly as mixed planting and partly in single-variety blocks. Rooted vines were planted, according to estimates, clearly before 1900 and are said to have survived phylloxera. A study in 2012 recorded at least 19 grape varieties, including Gutedel, Silvaner, Riesling, Elbling and Blauer Portugieser; in addition, among others, Weißer Heunisch, Tauberschwarz, Affenthaler, Frühburgunder, Clairette, Veltliner, Linden-leaved and Müller-Thurgau were documented. The parcel was farmed in the DBU project by Agrargenossenschaft Burgscheidungen.
Historic Reference and Wines
The name of the site refers to visible remains of a fortification on the ridge above the vineyard. The remains of the wall are said to have stood out on the horizon like fish bones. The fortification, documented as a spur castle, lies about 700 metres north-east of Karsdorf at around 200 metres in elevation.
Hohe Gräte is classified as a VDP site and is designated for Weingut Lützkendorf as VDP.GROSSE LAGE. Documented wines are Riesling, Silvaner and Weißburgunder as VDP.GROSSE GEWÄCHSE, as well as Riesling Eiswein, Riesling Spätlese, Silvaner Auslese and Weißburgunder Auslese. Published descriptions link the wines with a fine mineral character from gypsum Keuper and Muschelkalk.
