Location and Classification
Rotsteig is a named single vineyard in Malsch in the Kraichgau winegrowing region. It belongs to the Großlage Mannaberg and, according to the municipality’s winegrowing information, comprises approximately eight hectares. Malsch is in Baden.
Topography, Climate and Soils
The winegrowing area of Malsch with the single vineyard Rotsteig is located on the south-facing slopes of the Letzenberg. The Letzenberg reaches about 246 to 247 metres above sea level. The local viticultural climate is described as warm and relatively dry, with an early spring, warm summers with low rainfall, mild autumns and cool nights during ripening. The southern Letzenberg vineyards have deep loess-clay soils with a high lime content and good water-retention capacity.
Cultivation and Varieties
For the vineyards in Malsch, including Rotsteig, wide row spacing, grassed inter-row areas and loose leaf walls are documented. Measures to improve air circulation and sun exposure, as well as to promote humus content and biodiversity, are also part of the described cultivation. Under the name Malscher Rotsteig, wines made from Spätburgunder, Lemberger, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muskateller are documented.
Documented Wine Styles and Designation
The documented Malscher Rotsteig wines include dry red wines made from Spätburgunder, Lemberger, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as cuvées made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. As dry white wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Muskateller are listed. The old Malsch field name Rotsteig may be used as a designation for wines from Malsch. When using a single-vineyard designation for Qualitätswein or Prädikatswein, the municipality or local name must stand immediately before or after the vineyard name.
