Location and landscape
The Schloßberg refers to the Durbacher Schlossberg wine-growing area in Durbach in Baden. It comprises steep slopes of the Staufenberg, which rises more than 380 metres above sea level. The site is connected with Schloss Staufenberg and the Markgraf von Baden winery.
Climate and soils
The Durbachtal valley runs between the Vosges and the Black Forest from east to west. The predominantly southerly aspect and protection from north and east winds shape the conditions. The upper Klingelberg section borders directly on woodland; cool nights there contribute to a long ripening period and a favourable development of acidity. The steep, humus-poor soils of weathered Oberkirch granite with porphyry store only a small amount of water.
History and classification
Wine-growing on the Staufenberg has been documented since 1399; the associated castle was built in the 11th century. In 1782, Markgraf Carl Friedrich had the first varietal, pure Riesling planting laid out in the Klingelberg. In Durbach, Riesling is also called Klingelberger. The Klingelberg section of Schloss Staufenberg is classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®; further wines from the Durbacher Schlossberg are listed as VDP.ERSTE LAGE.
Grape varieties and wine styles
For the Durbacher Schlossberg, Klingelberger Riesling, Grauburgunder, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Spätburgunder are documented. A dry Klingelberger is described as powerful and mineral and is suitable for longer ageing. The Spätburgunder comes from strictly selected picking material; it was traditionally fermented on the skins for a long time and matured partly in barrique and partly in older wooden casks. For a Klingelberger 1782, a dedicated organic yeast strain was used from the Klingelberg, together with selected old Klingelberger planting material.
