Location and site
Steinberg is a vineyard site in Durbach in the Ortenau of the wine-growing region Baden and is also known as Durbacher Steinberg. The steep, south-facing site has a slope of 20 to 60 percent. It is considered climatically favoured, with high levels of sunshine as well as a long growing and ripening period. The soils are made up of weathered granite.
Viticulture and grape varieties
Because of the steep terrain, vineyard work is carried out predominantly by hand. For the Steinberg, a strict yield regulation is also documented. The grape varieties grown include Riesling, which is locally called Klingelberger, Muscatel, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc.
Wine styles
The site is suitable for aromatic sweet wines, including late harvests and off-dry wines. In addition, dry Riesling and Pinot Blanc sparkling wine are produced there.
History and sparkling wine production
In the past, the Steinberg was connected to the state-owned winery. The State Institute for Viticulture maintained an experimental planting there, which was privatised on 1 January 1997. A documented Pinot Blanc sparkling wine from the Steinberg is riddled by hand and produced using traditional bottle fermentation. It spends three years on the lees and, after disgorging, matures for at least six months in the bottle.
