What I Learned

The Kraichgau district of the Baden wine region is relatively small, only about 1200 hectares overall. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” the Kraichgau is a slice of hilly territory located east of the Rhine, north of Karlsruhe and south of Heidelberg. This district is less well-known than many other Baden districts, and is characterized by small, farming (or now commuter) communities. The better-known Ortenau district of Baden begins south of the Kraichgau.

Grosslage Mannaberg, extending from Bruchsal through Ostringen to Wiesloch, has as growths: Kirchberg, Ulrichsberg, Schlossberg, Burgengraf and Heiligenstein.

On the eastern side is the Grosslage Stiftsberg, extending from north of Eppingen to Angelbachtal. Its main growths are: Himmelberg, Kletterberg, Sonnenberg, Spiegelberg, Kappelenberg, Goldberg.

Around two dozen different varietals, red and white, grow in the Kraichgau.  Around Wiesloch, the major red varietals are: Spaetburgunder, Lemberger, Schwarzriesling, Regent, Portugieser, and Dornfelder. The major white varietals are: Mueller-Thurgau, Riesling, Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder, Auxerrois, Gewuerztraminer, and Ruelander. (Information from the Winzerkeller Wiesloch).

 

What I Tasted

2015 Rulaender, Malscher Mannaberg, Trocken, Winzerkeller Wiesloch: A dry, white (Pinot Gris) wine, with light gold color; floral nose and spice and floral flavors; high acidity.

2010 Mannaberg Weissburgunder, Winzerkeller Wiesloch: A dry white (Pinot Blanc) wine with light gold color; fruity and floral, medium acidity, smooth, almost velvety finish; a nice sipping wine. (Drank in 2013)

2010 Mannaberg Spaetburgunder, Winzerkeller Wiesloch: A dry red wine with light plus garnet color; fruity nose, with red berry flavors, thin body, and astringent finish. (Drank in 2013)