Location and designation
Steinhalde is a documented vineyard site in Amoltern, a district of Endingen, in the Kaiserstuhl in Baden. The site is also referred to as Amolterer Steinhalde and is listed in the historical register of Endingen.
Topography and soils
The south-west-facing site comprises slopes and small terraces. At around 330 metres above sea level, conditions are described that support the ripening of the grapes. The soils consist of volcanic weathered soils and varying geological material. Part of the vineyard site lies within the Amolterer Heide nature conservation area.
Grape varieties and wine styles
At Amolterer Steinhalde, mainly white and red Pinot varieties are grown. Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are documented. A Pinot Gris from the site is a dry German Prädikatswein in the Spätlese category from Baden/Kaiserstuhl, with a characterful profile and fine mineral notes. A Pinot Noir from the site is described as a dry, structured red wine, whose cuvée is intended for longer ageing.
Cultivation and maturation
The small terraces and slopes are farmed in a nature-friendly way. For the documented Pinot Gris, spontaneous fermentation took place; ageing was carried out with 80 percent in large wooden casks and 20 percent in barriques, followed by ten months on lees. For a Pinot Noir from the reserve, classic whole-cluster mash fermentation, 18 months in barrique and six months in large wooden casks are stated.
