We consider ourselves as one element belonging to the land in and around Bad Dürkheim. Our vineyards are independent organisms. We do not change their nature with our work and give only gentle encouragement. Our way of capturing terroir, the land's unique and naturally given character. Wines that through a particular place and time describe their origin.
The Michelsberg is a small, rounded hill and a symbol of Bad Dürkheim. The chapel of St Michael sits near its top and at one time attracted thirsty pilgrims. First mentioned in records dated 1155, the Michelsberg covers just 4.8 hectares and is the oldest documented vineyard in the Palatinate. Miraculously, the terraces on the southern slopes have survived several waves of land consolidation.
Then as now, stone walls of red sandstone surround the vines, protecting them from frost and generating warmth on cool nights. The site´s strength lies in the clay-limestone soil structure, a south-easterly aspect and an airy elevation at around 150 meters above sea level. The vineyard is stocked with Riesling and Pinot Blanc (Weißburgunder). The wines exhibit a fine, elegant acidity and breathtaking expressiveness.
The vineyard, named after the Lords ("Herren") of Leiningen, was already rated as "outstanding" in the Royal Bavarian Land Valuation of 1828.
Its high sandstone walls catch the eye. The south-east facing slopes, at an altitude of around 120 to 180 meters above sea level, consist of loam with a high chalk content. Lying at the edge of the Palatinate forest provides protection from cold air currents. Spicy, incredibly complex Rieslings with deep mineral content characterize the vineyard. As well as the Rieslings, our best Pinot Noir profits from the chalky terroir.
In Roman times, the Spielberg was probably the "Spiegelberg" - an observation post. Chalk sandstone and loam deposits characterize the soil structure. The south-west facing vines benefit from the soil's ability to maintain water during hot weather. Our oldest Riesling vines grow here, hand-planted by Alexander's grandfather in the 1970s. The vines have adapted perfectly to the warm location and produce opulent, juicy Rieslings.
Back to the mapThe vineyards below the Flaggenturm, the oldest lookout tower in the region, wrap themselves around the small hill like a fox´s coat. The Fuchsmantel is one of the few terraced vineyards in the Palatinate - only a handful of winegrowers work these small and difficult to reach plots with their typical red sandstone soils. The proximity to the Palatine forest and at an altitude of 150 to 220 meters make this both a noticeable location and a beneficiary of climate change. On hot days, the forest edge provides shade and cool air flows down the slopes. The result is a delicate, juicy and mineral “Cool Climate” Riesling.
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The Ölberg, located to the south of Deidesheim, is characterized by a wide variety of soils including clay, red sandstone and limestone marl. Its south-easterly aspect provides a sheltered, warm location. A picture of Christ in a small chapel above the Ölberg gave the vineyard its name. Pinot Noir from the Ölberg is velvety, intense in color and fruit – a touch of Burgundy.
Back to the mapThe Fronhof is a single vineyard south-west of Bad Dürkheim on the gentle foothills of the Palatinate forest. The soils are characterized by loess and river deposits. Our Pinot Noirs have been growing under these favorable conditions for some time and have delighted us year on year with their unique balance and varietal typical fruit.
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