Location and Topography
The Schloßberg corresponds to the vineyard site at Hecklingen in Kenzingen in the wine-growing region Baden. The vines are located below Lichteneck Castle on a steep slope facing west to south-west at an altitude of about 200 to 280 metres. The incline is described as 50 to 60 percent; a technical value is 80 to 90 percent.
Soil and Cultivation
The site is characterised by skeletal, weathered Muschelkalk that appears white to yellow. The shallow soils and the extreme slope require manual work in the vineyard. In documented trials, among other things, grape varieties, training systems, vine pruning, leaf work, cover cropping and measures against erosion were investigated.
Grape Varieties and Wines
For the 5.55 hectares of classified area, the VDP profile lists Chardonnay and Spätburgunder. Historically, Müller-Thurgau, Muskat Ottonel, Muskateller, Freisamer, Ruländer, Gewürztraminer and Blauer Spätburgunder are also documented. Wines recorded from the Hecklingen Schloßberg include dry Spätburgunder Weißherbst Kabinett, dry Gewürztraminer Spätlese and Ruländer Eiswein.
History and Classification
Winegrowing in the Gewann Schloßberg has been documented since 1492. The name refers to the nearby Lichteneck Castle, which was built in the 13th century and destroyed in 1675 during the Dutch War. The VDP lists the site as SCHLOSSBERG, Hecklingen, and classifies it as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®.
