Kalkofen

A sheltered site that is surrounded by sandstone walls with a former coral reef (limestone) beneath. Kalkofen sits on a plateau above Deidesheim. It is not surprising that limestone dominates the geology of the Kalkofen. Abundant limestone intersperses loess-loam and marl clay and appears occasionally as gravel in this 5-hectare site. The soil of this south-facing vineyard is heavy and has a medium water storage capacity. Kalkofen rises from 185 to 200 metres a.s.l. at 2 – 10 % slope. The slight elevation allows the vine rows good aeration and a sandstone wall on the north side protects them. The site is located in a narrow, warm belt along the foothills of the Haardt hills. The average temperatures are high and precipitation is low. History: The name points not only to the abundance of limestone in this vineyard, but also that there was indeed a Kalkofen (limestone oven) located in this site in the 15th century. The Kalkofen has long been known for the high quality of its wines and was already classified as an Erste Lage in 1828.

Weingut von Winning (40 hectares)
Deidesheim / Pfalz / Germany

The fact that this estate is crafting some of the very best dry wines in Germany is no fluke, rather a result of nearly obsessive winemaker Stephan Attman’s commitment to both dedicated cultivation of Deidesheim and Forst’s best sites and meticulous work in the cellar. Von Winning maintains some of the oldest parcels in Grosses Gewächs vineyards smattered across Forst, Deidesheim, and Ruppertsberg. Attman’s every decision is informed by great enthusiasm and experiences at estates in the Cote d’Or and abroad. For example, Attman’s newer vines are planted at a very high vine density- 9500 vines per hectare, as opposed to the typically under 5000. This creates competition amongst the vines, forcing the roots to grow deep, naturally reducing yields. Attman has adopted the single cane trellising system, prevalent in Burgundy, and Grosses Gewächs wines ferment in 500mL French barrels. Von Winning practices organic and sustainable viticulture.

Attman describes his winemaking as “not doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.” The estate’s premium wines are treated with a minimalist approach and with the highest respect in the cellar. Gentle clarification, natural and spontaneous fermentation and the abandonment of fining agents create wines with a distinctive indigenous and very elegant style. Pumping the juice or wine is never necessary in the gravity flow winery, allowing for minimal, and gentle vinification.

• Vineyard area: 40 hectares
• Annual production: 23,000 cases
• • Top Sites Deidesheim
    • Mäushöhle, Herrgottsacker, Paradiesgarten, Leinhöhle: 1er Crus, löss, loam, red sandstone
    • Grainhübel, Langenmorgen and Kieselberg: Grand Crus, Loam and clay over red sandstone and limestone
    • Kalkofen: Grand Cru, limestone, marl, loam
  • Top Sites Forst
    • Ungeheuer: Grand Cru, löss, loam, sandstone, basalt
    • Kirchenstück: Grand Cru sandy loam, red sandstone, basalt
    • Jesuitengarten: Grand Cru, sandy clay, lime, and loam over limestone and basalt
    • Pechstein: Grand Cru, sandy clay, loss, loam, over limestone, basalt, and sandstone
  • Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad: 1er Cru, sandy loam, red sandstone, limestone
• Grape Varieties: Riesling, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Weissburgunder, Chardonnay