Location and landscape
The Katzenbeißer is a named single vineyard in Lauffen am Neckar in Württemberg. The vineyards are situated in the landscape along the Neckar meander and in the Zabergäu.
Climate and soils
The site is described as being sun-exposed and warm. The Neckar meander and heat-storing soils shape the growing conditions. Documented soils include shell limestone and Keuper; in addition, loess and loess clay occur in the vineyard soils of the surrounding area.
Steep slopes and grape varieties
The Katzenbeißer includes terraced vineyards on steep slopes. Under the site designation, wines are listed made from Schwarzriesling, Trollinger, Samtrot and Riesling. The wines are mainly red; documented are fruity, fresh styles from Schwarzriesling and Trollinger as well as Samtrot wines. Riesling is also marketed under the name Katzenbeißer.
Designation
Viticulture in Lauffen has been known for centuries. Over time, the name Katzenbeißer became established as a designation for wine from Lauffen and the vineyard site. Katzenbeißer is used as a single-vineyard designation in the Württemberg winegrowing region. The designation must be linked to the municipal name and assumes the applicable requirements for natural minimum alcohol, approved grape varieties and the release rules.
