Location and classification
The Kleindröbener Katzenzehe vineyard is located in the Kleindröben district of Jessen in Saxony-Anhalt. In terms of wine-growing policy, the single vineyard belongs to the wine-growing region Saxony, although it lies outside the state of Saxony.
Area and soils
The vineyard area covers around six hectares. Predominant are loams and sands of glacial origin. The site, which is counted among the Elstertal wine-growing area, can be influenced in summer and autumn by weather periods shaped by continental conditions, with long sunny spells.
Grape varieties and wine
In the 2020 survey of vineyard areas, Müller-Thurgau had the largest share of acreage. Currently, wines from Kerner and Müller-Thurgau are also documented under the label Kleindröbener Katzenzehe. A 2024 vintage Müller-Thurgau is designated as a quality wine, medium-dry, with 10.5 percent alcohol, 12.5 grams of residual sugar per litre and 4.2 grams of acid per litre.
Name and cultivation
The name Katzenzehe comes from the regional term “Katzenzagel” for the field horsetail that was formerly common in the area. The site is classified as a single vineyard and assigned to no larger site. Traditionally, the grape harvest takes place collectively as part of a public grape harvest; the harvested Müller-Thurgau was taken to Meissen for further processing.
