More wine is consumed in Württemberg (per capita) than anywhere else in Germany - actually twice as much as in the rest of Germany. The German poet Friedrich von Schiller wrote already several centuries ago: “A Württemberger without wine--is that a real Württemberger?” Yet, the wines of Württemberg are very difficult to find outside of Germany. This is changing slowly, as the world is discovering the outstanding German red wines.
On this tour, we visited 4 of Württemberg’s leading producers: von Neipperg, Dautel, Rainer Schnaitmann and Herzog von Württemberg.
This posting covers Weingut Herzog von Württemberg, where we enjoyed an outstanding tour, including tasting. Duke Michael von Württemberg and Winemaker Moriz Just were our hosts.
The art of winemaking at the House of Württemberg goes back to the 13th century. With 40.5 hectares under vine, it is the largest privately owned winery in Württemberg. Their vineyard sites are in the most prestigious parcels in Württemberg and tasting the Herzog von Württemberg portfolio is a high-class journey through the best of the best that the Württemberg wine region has to offer. Owner is H.R.H. Carl Herzog von Württemberg and he makes sure that old tradition and modern knowledge go hand in hand to produce outstanding wines. In 1981 a new, modern winery was constructed in the romantic park of the beautiful Castle Monrepos, the royal family of Württemberg’s lakeside weekend and hunting retreat.
Wine Region Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg is one of the 16 German states that make up Germany. Baden-Wuerttemberg is one of the growth centers of Germany due to its booming export industries. Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are prime examples. Baden-Württemberg comprises two wine growing areas, Baden and Württemberg.
Wine from Württemberg is mainly red wine. The main production area is along the Neckar River between Stuttgart and Heilbronn. There are also vineyards on Lake Constance that belong to Württemberg.
More wine is consumed here (per capita) than anywhere else in Germany - actually twice as much as in the rest of Germany. The German poet Friedrich von Schiller wrote already several centuries ago: “A Württemberger without wine--is that a real Württemberger?”
The Trollinger is the most popular variety, which is grown almost exclusively in Württemberg. It is a nice table wine that goes well with the local food. If you are looking for a premium wine, Lemberger (known as Blaufränkisch in Austria and Kékfrankos in its Hungarian homeland) is the grape variety to go for. The Lemberger made by Weingut Dautel and Weingut Wachstetter, which we had during the tour, can compete with the best red wines in the world.
With 11,000 hectares under vine, Württemberg is Germany's fourth largest wine region. Winemaking cooperatives are very common in Württemberg, number around 70, and are responsible for almost 75% of the region's production.
Wines from Württemberg are hard to find in the US. This is partly explained by the production structure, which is dominated by co-operatives. These co-operatives are known for producing top class wines. But they tend to be less aggressive in terms of penetrating new markets.
Weingut Herzog von Württemberg
Weingut Herzog von Württemberg is located at Schloss Monrepos near Ludwigsburg. While the art of winemaking at the House of Württemberg goes back to the 13th century, the wine estate was established in 1677 only, through the creation of the „Kammerschreiberei-Kellerei“ in Untertürkheim. From the mid-17th century until the late 19th century, the House of Württemberg undertook extensive purchases of vineyards. In the early 1800s, the winery moved into the old palace in the center of Stuttgart. Completed in 1981, the modern winery is located in the romantic park of Schloss Monrepos. In the immediate vicinity is the Schlosshotel Monrepos with 81 hotel rooms, the Restaurant "Gutsschenke" and a golf course. In 2003, the Weingut des Hauses Württemberg Hofkammerkellerei was renamed Weingut Herzog von Württemberg.
Today's owner is S.K.H. (H.R.H.) Carl, Duke of Württemberg, who is represented at the winery through his son Duke Michael. It is the largest private winery in Württemberg. vineyard in the wine-growing region. The vineyard area totals 40 hectares in the following single vineyards: Berg (Asperg), Brotwasser (Monopole) (Stetten), Eilfingerberg (Maulbronn), Käsberg (Mundelsheim), Kirchberg (Hohenhaslach), Mönchberg (Untertürkheim) as well as Steinbachhof and Wachtkopf (Gündelbach). Riesling, Trollinger, Lemberger and Spätburgunder are grown.
Along with forestry and real estate activities, the wine growing activities are part of the “Hofkammer des Hauses Württemberg”. Today, the Hofkammer des Hauses Württemberg is a privately owned enterprise (owned by the von Württemberg family) and is based in Friedrichshafen at Lake Constance. H.R.H. Carl Herzog von Württemberg is the CEO.
Tasting
We did not have a sit-down tasting, but tasted the wines during the tour.
NV Weingut Herzog von Württemberg Riesling Sekt extra trocken
2014 Weingut Herzog von Württemberg Stettener Brotwasser Riesling trocken
2014 Weingut Herzog von Württemberg Maulbronner Eilfingerberg Weissburgunder trocken
2013 Weingut Herzog von Württemberg Brotwasser Riesling GG
2013 Weingut Herzog von Württemberg Brotwasser Riesling GG
2012 Weingut Herzog von Württemberg Eilfingerberg Lemberg GG
Bye-bye
Thanks for a wonderful tour and tasting!
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