Location and Topography
The Kirchberg, locally referred to as the Uettinger Kirchberg, consists of two vineyard plots north of Uettingen above the Aalbachtal and the federal road B 8. The plots lie on the south-facing slope of the 334-metre-high Kirchberg. South-west-facing hillside areas show documented gradients of around 6 to 8 per cent, locally up to 12 per cent.
Geology and Soils
The wine-growing area lies in the geological transition from the underlying red Buntsandstein to the overlying Muschelkalk. In the surrounding area, Upper Buntsandstein also occurs, as well as formations partly covered by Quaternary loess clay. Documented soils include brown earths (Braunerden), para-brown earths (Parabraunerden) and pararendzinas made of loam and loess clay.
Grape Varieties and Cultivation
The Uettinger Kirchberg is farmed by several winegrowers. The important grape varieties mentioned are Müller-Thurgau, Kerner and Domina. For the Kirchberg and the adjoining area of Heßnert, Bacchus, Silvaner, Perle, Ortega and Weißburgunder are also documented.
History of Viticulture
Viticulture in Uettingen has been documented since the early Middle Ages. The Holzkirchen monastery and later the Counts of Wertheim levied shares of the local wine as an annual tithe. The Kirchberg was already among the seven vineyard sites listed by name in the early 17th century. In the mid-19th century, around 46 hectares were planted with vines in Uettingen. The last vineyard on the Kirchberg was cleared in 1921; after the later revival, the first harvest of the reactivated Uettinger vineyard was celebrated in 1979.
