Single Site and Area
The Bad Sulzaer Sonnenberg is a legally listed single site in the wine-growing region of Thuringia within the region Saale-Unstrut. The site is assigned to the surroundings of Bad Sulza. As at 31 December 2024, 27.333 hectares of vineyard area were planted.
Slope Position and Soil
The vineyards lie on the slopes of the Ilm and are oriented to the south to south-east. The gradient reaches up to 30 percent. As a geological basis, weathered material of Muschelkalk is documented; for Pinot Précoce, sandier loam is additionally described.
Grape Varieties and Wine Styles
At the Sonnenberg, among others, White Burgundy (Weißburgunder), Grey Burgundy (Grauburgunder), Riesling, Traminer (Traminer), Muscatel (Muskateller), Cabernet Dorsa and Müller-Thurgau are planted. Müller-Thurgau is specified for the upper slope area. A documented White Burgundy is a dry German Qualitätswein with a robust body and restrained aromas of ripe apples. The documented dry Pinot Précoce shows moderate tannins and red fruit aromas.
Vinification
For the Pinot Précoce of the 2019 vintage, maceration on the skins (mash fermentation), biological acid reduction and 21 months’ maturation in small, toasted barriques are stated. In addition, the producer ages his wines in stainless steel tanks, traditional wooden barrels and barriques, and makes them in the traditional dry style.
