Location and Climate
The vineyard is documented under its official name Isteiner Kirchberg and lies in the district of Istein in Efringen-Kirchen in the wine region Baden. It belongs to the Markgräflerland and, at the Isteiner Klotz, features a particularly warm microclimate that is almost Mediterranean in character.
Relief and Soils
The vines are planted on the steep west-facing slope of the Isteiner Klotz, with an orientation that is predominantly south to south-west. The slope gradient reaches 40 per cent or more. Very shallow, stony, clay-rich calcareous Rendzinas lie on compact Jurassic Upper Rauracian limestone. The soil can rest directly on the rock, offers only a limited rooting volume and can cause prolonged water stress.
Grape Varieties and Wine Styles
For the Isteiner Kirchberg, Gutedel, Weissburgunder, Spätburgunder and Cabernet Sauvignon are documented. The recorded wine styles include dry white quality wines made from Gutedel, dry wines made from Weissburgunder, Spätburgunder and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a Pinot-based sparkling wine.
Farming and Maturation
Steep plots with exposed limestone are cultivated entirely by hand. A documented Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented with natural yeasts and aged in French oak barrels, with 30 per cent in new barrels. The Pinot sparkling wine was first fermented in part in used barriques and in part in stainless steel, remained on the lees for at least 24 months and received a dosage of 2 g/l.
