Heilbronner Stiftsberg in Württemberg
The Stiftsberg is listed as Heilbronner Stiftsberg in the wine-growing region Württemberg. The classified vineyard area covers 432 hectares. The VDP lists the site as VDP.ERSTE LAGE.
Site and soils
The vineyards are located at between 190 and 300 metres above sea level. The exposures range from north-east via south to west, while the slope gradient is between 0 and 50 percent. The documented soils include Buntermarls and gypsum Keuper. The landscape plan of the city of Heilbronn describes the site conditions as dry and warm.
Grape varieties and history
The classified grape varieties include Riesling, Lemberger, Trollinger, Merlot, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muscatel and Samtrot. The name has been documented since 1281 in the historical form Stifteberch and is connected with the former ownership of the Stift Comburg.
Cultivation and wine-making
Kurz-Wagner states that the grapes from vineyards such as the Heilbronner Stiftsberg are harvested completely by hand. The estate also documents a gentle grape transport, gentle pressing and temperature-controlled fermentation. For a Riesling from the sub-area Hundsberg from the 2018 vintage, a cool fermentation is described, partly in 500-litre casks and partly in barriques, together with maturation on fine lees until April. The dry Riesling has 0.8 grams of residual sugar per litre and is described as a structured, full-bodied white wine.
