Burg Ravensburg

Baden, Germany

Riesling Trocken Baden VDP

Baden

Riesling

Baden may be more famous for burgundy varietals, but their riesling shows all the classic notes of citrus and stone fruits with the racy acidity to match. The unique Gypsum Keuper soils found here is one key influence on this style and why wine has been cultivated here for over 700 years.

Points of Interest

Riesling has been grown in Germany since the 1400s, making it the country’s most planted grape, yet it only arrived in Baden in 1782. Legend has it that Baron Göler von Ravensburg smuggled young vines home to Sulzfeld tucked in his hussar’s cap. He planted them beside Ravensburg Castle, and the Grosses Gewächs vineyard there still carries the name Husarenkappe, the hussar’s cap.

Pinot Noir Baden VDP

Baden

Pinot Noir

The limestone soils found in the hills around the town of Sulzfeld and the cooler climate in the northern part of Baden allows the wines to slowly ripen, maintaining a beautiful, balanced structure to the ripe,red fruit character of cherry and cranberry. Spice and earthy flavors add to a complexity that easily outperforms most other village level Pinots.

Points of Interest

Called Spätburgunder in German, which translates as “late burgundy” a reference to its French origins. It first arrived in Baden in the late 800’s supposedly with the great-grandson of Charlemagne, Emperor Charles III. Now Germany is the third largest producer of Pinot Noir behind only France and the USA.

Blaufränkisch Baden VDP

Baden

Blaufränkisch

This is a very charming, medium bodied style with lots of fresh, dark fruits, round tannins, and a bright finish that is very drinkable now, but still hints at the great potential of this grape.

Points of Interest

This grape is better known as “Lemberger” in Germany. Plantings of it at the estate date back to the 1600s making it one of the first to grow this grape variety in Germany. In 2014 the family petitioned to be allowed to use the more internationally recognized name, Blaufränkisch.

Blaufränkisch Lerchenberg 1G VDP

Baden

Blaufränkisch

This steep, south facing vineyard allows the grapes on this site to ripen slowly enhancing the core of darker fruits with a savory nuance of dried herbs, spice and smoky meats. While very approachable in its youth, the patient drinker who can wait 5 or more years will be rewarded.

Points of Interest

The vineyard’s name, Lerchenburg, is a reference to the many larks that can be found nesting around the vineyard. The estate is situated in the hilly, picturesque Kraichgau region which is also called Land der 1000 Hugels or Land of a 1000 Hills.