Location and natural conditions
The Turmberg is a vineyard site above Durlach, an eastern district of Karlsruhe in the wine-growing region Baden. The south-east-facing vineyard plots lie at around 260 to 350 metres above sea level and have slopes of up to 56 per cent. The subsoil consists of red Buntsandstein.
Cultivation and grape varieties
The state-owned winery describes the sunny site with a favourable microclimate for viticulture. The steep location makes cultivation difficult; documented work includes vine pruning, breaking out and positioning the shoots, work on the foliage, and harvesting.
At the Turmberg, among others, Riesling, Auxerrois, Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder, Muskat-Ottonel, Lemberger, Spätburgunder, Scheurebe, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are planted.
Wines and ownership
Dry wines from Riesling, Auxerrois, Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder, Chardonnay, Lemberger and Spätburgunder are documented. In addition, sparkling wine and secco are produced using traditional bottle fermentation.
The Durlacher Turmberg comprises seven hectares and is a single-vineyard site in the sole ownership of the Staatsweingut Karlsruhe-Durlach. The site belongs to the wine-growing region of Baden, which the state winery describes as Germany’s only wine-growing zone B.
History
A deed of gift from the year 771 provides evidence of viticulture at the Hohenberg, the historical name in connection with the present-day Turmberg. The estate was founded in 1903 as a vine improvement institute, developed into a state-run viticultural research establishment, and was taken over in 1993 by L-Bank.
