Location and Context
The Werderaner Wachtelberg is a vineyard site in Werder an der Havel in the Brandenburg part of the Qualitätswein (quality wine growing) region Saale-Unstrut. The area located on the Wachtelberg is close to the Havel and the surrounding Havel lakes and offers views over the vineyards, Werder and the Havel landscape.
Soils and Climate
The vineyard is situated on deep, almost pure sandy soils that warm up quickly. They are low in nutrients and have a low capacity for holding water. The Havel and the Havel lakes influence the local microclimate and reduce, compared with sites less shaped by water, the risk of early and late frosts. A viticultural assessment from 1991 found no essential differences in terms of temperature development, sunshine duration during the growing season and annual rainfall compared with Würzburg or Ahrweiler.
Development and Cultivation
After more than 100 years without commercial wine-growing, cultivation was resumed in 1985. The Wachtelberg was replanted in 1985 and 1986 with around 4.8 hectares, initially entirely with Müller-Thurgau. Since 1996, Dr. Lindicke's wine-growing has been cultivating the site. Regent and Dornfelder were planted in 1997, Saphira in 1999. Since 2002, there are also two varietal teaching paths with demonstrations of white and red grapes as well as table grapes.
Grape Varieties and Wine-Making
At the Wachtelberg, among others, Müller-Thurgau, Sauvignon Blanc, Saphira, Kernling, Muscaris, Cabernet Blanc, Solaris, Regent, Dornfelder and Pinotin are grown. The fungus-resistant varieties include Saphira, Muscaris, Cabernet Blanc, Solaris and Pinotin. The wines are described as having fine, pleasant acidity and fresh fruit aromas; the town classifies the site as producing mild quality wines with comparatively low acidity. Since 2012, the operator has processed the grapes directly after harvest at its own winery in Werder.
