Location and Terroir
Schloß Grohl is a wine-growing site in Durbach in the Ortenau wine-growing region in Baden. Durbach lies in a valley oriented from east to west, with predominantly southern exposure and protection from northern and eastern winds. The wine-growing site comprises small, old terraces. The vineyards are on rocky, granite-weathered soils that absorb moisture, store warmth and pass it on to the vegetation.
Grape Varieties and Wines
In Schloß Grohl, Sauvignon Blanc is grown, which is considered an unusual grape variety for this site in Durbach. Riesling is also documented, marketed regionally as Klingelberger, along with Grauburgunder and Scheurebe. The wines of the site include dry Riesling Kabinett and Spätlese, as well as Sauvignon Blanc as Spätlese in dry and noble-sweet expressions, Auslese, Beerenauslese and Eiswein.
History and Maturation
For the Schloss-Grohl estate associated with the site, viticulture has been documented since 1381. Sauvignon Blanc was introduced there in 1830 by Ernst Maximilian Freiherr Zorn von Bulach; the winery traces the vines back to a gift from the owner of Château d’Yquem. The wines mature in the old castle cellar and are matured using modern oenological methods as well as careful processing.
