Weingut Zähringer — Winery in Heitersheim

The house works with Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir, about 35%), Gutedel, Grauburgunder, Müller-Thurgau, Weissburgunder, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, plus red grapes such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc. A special feature is the "Vierling", an almost forgotten cask type typical of southern Baden in which extra dry, round and harmonious wines mature. The wines are fermented spontaneously with the estate's own yeast cultures and, depending on the style, aged in stainless steel, large wooden casks, the Vierling or barrique. Besides still wines the house also makes organic sparkling wines, including a much-praised Blanc de Blancs (at least 36 months on the lees) and a Crémant Baden. The top range is called "Zähringer Löwe": unfiltered, dry premium wines and nobly sweet rarities from strictly selected grapes from the best plots. A tasting in the tasting room/wine cellar takes its time and explains things thoroughly: no rushed tasting, but personal advice for every taste, from easy-drinking to something special for an occasion. The estate farms 15 hectares of vineyards spread over the top sites Maltesergarten and Sonnhohle (Heitersheim), Schlossberg (Staufen/Grunern) and Castellberg (Ballrechten-Dottingen).