Site and Geology
The Schloßberg lies directly below Schloss Ortenberg in Ortenberg in Baden, on the western foothills of the Black Forest at the transition to the Upper Rhine Plain. The vines grow on an exposed granite spur with slopes of more than 50 per cent. The south-facing, amphitheatre-like vineyard extends from about 170 to 240 metres above sea level.
Climate and Viticulture
The local microclimate is influenced by the cooler Black Forest and the warmer Upper Rhine Plain. The documented vineyard area at the Ortenberg Schlossberg covers around 5.4 hectares. The vineyard is farmed organically; vine protection is carried out, according to the winery, as naturally as possible.
Grape Varieties and Wine Style
At the Schloßberg, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Spätburgunder, Riesling, Chardonnay and Grauburgunder are documented. The winery describes the wines from its granite sites in the Ortenau, including the Schloßberg, as characterised by fine, mineral traits. For the wines, gentle maturation in the cellar is documented.
Historical Reference
The Schloss Ortenberg experimental viticulture estate was founded in 1951 directly next to Schloss Ortenberg. The vineyard area below the castle is documented as the Lage Schloßberg. The winery includes the Ortenberg Schlossberg in its St.-Andreas wines as Great Growth (Großes Gewächs); this is a classification by the winery and not evidence of an independent statutory appellation category.
