Location and classification
The Kirchberg in Kraichtal corresponds to the Unteröwisheimer Kirchberg in the Kraichgau in Baden. It is documented as a single vineyard site with reference to Kraichtal as well as the districts of Oberöwisheim and Unteröwisheim.
Topography and climate
The vineyard site is described as south-facing and exposed to the wind. Technical details cite an east to south-easterly aspect, altitudes of around 190 to 200 metres and slopes of roughly 30 to 35 percent. The hollow, enclosed by forest, is open to the south-west towards the Rhine plain; regular flows of cold air from the surrounding woods help to keep the wines fresh.
Soil and grape varieties
The subsoil consists of calcareous sandstone with a thick layer of loess. The loess is rich in limestone and minerals and lies over Muschelkalk. For the Kirchberg, Weißburgunder, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah are documented.
Wines and maturation
Dessert is known from the Kirchberg for dry wines made from Weißburgunder and Chardonnay, including mineral-driven white wines in a Burgundian style. For selected wines, descriptions include yield reduction through berry sorting and thinning to one bunch per shoot, selective hand-harvesting over several passes early in the morning, gentle transport using the gravity method, fermentation in 500-litre casks made from French oak or barriques, as well as long ageing on the full lees with bâtonnage and unfiltered bottling.
