Location and categorisation
The Schlossberg is a single-vineyard site in the Breisgau wine-growing region in Baden. It lies on the south-facing slope of the Freiburg Schlossberg above the historic town centre of Freiburg im Breisgau. As VDP.GROSSE LAGE, the Freiburger Schlossberg is classified in the Baden growing area Baden.
Relief and soils
The south-exposed location is situated at 300 to 360 metres above sea level and has a slope of 40 to 60 percent. The steep vineyard is divided up by retaining walls and crosswise terraces. Geologically, gneiss and the weathering of this rock shape the soils. The classified vineyard area comprises 3.93 hectares.
Climate
During the growing season from April to October, Breisgau sees about 1,380 to 1,400 hours of sunshine. For Freiburg, the long-term average for the years 1961 to 1990 gives an annual mean temperature of 10.8 °C and annual rainfall of 974 millimetres. Night-time drainage winds from the Black Forest, including the Höllentäler, provide cooling and support acidity and fruit development of the grapes.
Grape varieties and wine style
For the classified site, the VDP lists Riesling, Chardonnay and Spätburgunder. In the Freiburg Schlossberg holdings, white Pinot, Grauburgunder, Gutedel and Merlot are also grown. A documented Schlossberg Riesling is dry, with aromas of citrus fruits, vineyard peach and green apple, as well as fine stony-spicy notes, refreshing acidity and partly maturation in tonneau casks. Further Schlossberg Rieslings are described as fresh and fruit-focused, with dense structure, vibrant acidity and a mineral character.
