Wuerttemberg |
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The region of Wuerttemberg is situated mainly along the river Neckar, it streches from the industrial area of Heilbronn in the north to the larger Stuttgart region in the south. It borders the region of Baden in the west and touches with Franken in the North. Beside the main area between Stuttgart and Heilbronn, it has a number of small tiny wine growing spots from Tauberfranken in the north, Tübingen in the south west and the eastern shores of Lake Constance. Possibly better known around the world for its automotive industry (Daimler-Chrysler, Audi, Porsche all manufacture here), but this could also be due to the fact that the Württemberger like to drink their excellent wines themselves and exporting the cars. And cars and wine nearly mix in this region – you will find excellent estates within a stones throw of some of the manufacturing plants in the Neckar valley in the Stuttgart area (Untertuerkheim) 
Beside the two industrial areas, Württemberg is a rural, hilly countryside with vineyards and orchards scattered amidst forests and fields. Most of the terraced vineyards of the past have been reorganized to improve efficiency. However, a number still exist, notably the so-called ‘cliff gardens’ near the Neckar's scenic loops between Besigheim and Mundelsheim. 
Wuerttemberg has mild temperatures, the hills of the Black Forest and Swabian Jura are protective and the rivers help temper the climate. The soils are varied and include shell-limestone, keuper, marl, loess and clay. It is the 4th largest wine region in Germany by area, with more than half of its vineyards planted with red wine varieties. Württemberg ranks as Germany's premier red wine region. The main variety is Trollinger, seldom found outside of this region, followed by Schwarzriesling, also known as Müllerrebe or Pinot Meunier, and Lemberger. Much of the wine is light, fruity and easy to enjoy; but deep-colored, rich, full-bodied red wine with great class is also produced here. Riesling is an important variety in Württemberg, accounting for nearly a quarter of the vineyard area, followed by Kerner and Müller-Thurgau. Kerner, a crossing of Trollinger and Riesling, was bred at the region's oenological research and teaching institute in Weinsberg. In general, the wines are hearty and full-bodied, with a vigorous acidity. 
If you like to really get a feel of Württemberg, its wines, people and countryside, you need to vist. Tasting the large varieties of wine is difficult, due to the fact that exports play a minor role and indeed, very little wine is sold outside of the region. The local inhabitants are thirsty, loyal customers. At 35 liters in 1997, the per capita consumption of wine and sparkling wine in the Baden and Württemberg regions is the highest in Germany. This is also reflected in the number of festivals where you are made feel welcome to the locals. The region hosts a number of routes to tour and discover the wine, there are signposted routes through wine country: Schwäbische Weinstrasse (driving) • Weinstrasse Kraichgau-Stromberg (driving) • Radweg Schwäbische Weinstrasse (cycling) |
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