Location and classification
“Kardsdorfer Hohe Gräte” is listed in the official wine-growing sites register for 2024 as a single vineyard in the Schloss Neuenburg area of the Saale-Unstrut wine-growing region. The parcels are in Steigra, Karsdorf and Wennungen; the vineyard lies to the east of Karsdorf on the Unstrut hillside. The register shows 20.0330 hectares of planted vineyard area.
Topography and climate
The slope, which faces south to south-west, lies on the ridge that forms the escarpment of the Querfurt plateau. Low rainfall, warm summers, mild winters and a growing season of around a week above the regional average have been documented. Strong sunshine and the cold-air drainage caused by temperature are associated with high temperatures close to the ground.
Soils and grape varieties
The geological subsoil comprises weathered Gipskeuper and Muschelkalk. For individual parcels, double quartzite is also given. Wines from Riesling, Weißburgunder, Silvaner and Traminer are documented for this site.
Wines and name history
Dry wines made from Riesling, Weißburgunder and Traminer are evidenced, including German Quality Wine and German Prädikatswein. For certain wines, the site is designated as VDP.GROSSE LAGE. The name is connected with visible remains of a prehistoric hill fortification on the ridge above the vineyard, whose rampart remnants appear like fishbones on the horizon.
