Württemberg

Württemberg, wine region in southern germany with 11,373 ha/28,091 acres of vineyard which loosely follow the River Neckar and its tributaries (see map under germany). Much of the region lies between Stuttgart (including several suburbs) and Heilbronn with vineyards to the north contiguous with those of baden’s Kraichgau. In these sectors, steep, drought-sensitive and demanding terraced slopes look down on the Neckar. The climate varies from south to north, but is at its most continental along the Kocher, Jagst, and Tauber, three tributaries at the north-eastern edge of the region, where winters can be severe. Some 18% of the region’s vineyards are planted in riesling, while other white wine varieties are in decline and collectively amount to little more than 10% of the vineyard surface. Dark-skinned grapes dominate Württemberg’s vineyards, notably Trollinger with 21%, Lemberger (Blaufränkisch) with 15%, Schwarzriesling/Müllerrebe (Pinot Meunier) with 14%, and Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) with 11%.