Location and Climate
The Winklerberg is a vineyard site in Ihringen on the south-western edge of the Kaiserstuhl near the Rhine plain. According to the VDP’s documentation, the single vineyard comprises around 117 hectares. It is among the warmest vineyard sites in Germany; occasionally almost subtropical conditions prevail there. The volcanic massif of the Kaiserstuhl protects the vineyards from cold north winds, while warm Mediterranean air can flow in through the Burgundy Gate.
Landscape and Soils
The Winklerberg has an exposed position at the south-western corner of the Kaiserstuhl. Well-aerated steep slopes and terraced areas shape the landscape. Volcanic weathered rock, lava walls and chalk inclusions are characteristic. In some sub-areas, loess, gravel and calcareous components are also documented.
Vines and Wine Style
There are old vine plantings at the Winklerberg; some classified parcels are terraced and supported by dry-stone walls. In parcels farmed by Heger, yield reduction, manual work in the vineyard and hand harvesting are documented. The grape varieties evidenced in classified sub-areas include Riesling, Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder, Spätburgunder and Chardonnay. The wines from Ihringen are described as full-bodied and mineral, with elegant aromas.
History and Classification
Doctor Ernst Georg Lydtin is considered a key figure in the development of the Winklerberg. The VDP documents that in 1813 he acquired part of a former dolerite stone quarry and planted vines there. According to information from Ihringen tourism, Lydtin planted vines from southern Italy near Vesuvius on the Winklerberg in 1828. The VDP lists the Winklerberg as an Ihringen single vineyard; several sub-areas named independently are classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE®.
