Lemberger

Red variety - Lemberger

• General: Lemberger is primarily a Württemberg speciality, whose area under cultivation is slowly but steadily increasing. Today, almost 1,800 ha are planted in Württemberg, which corresponds to a share of 18 % here. "Blauer Limberger" is the name under which the grape variety is classified. Under the names Lemberger and Blaufränkisch in Austria and Kèkfrankos in Hungary, it is a valued grape variety in single vineyard cultivation and also to support classic varieties. It was probably appreciated by the first Federal President Theodor Heuss, who declared it his house drink. According to historical records, Bismarck and Napoleon also had Lemberger served with their meals.
• Cluster: The moderately large grapes are mostly divided and thus loose. The medium-sized, round berries have a dark blue and very firm skin.
• Wine: The wines are often deep red in colour and have an aroma reminiscent of plum, ripe gooseberry, elderberry and cocoa with subtle herbal notes. When young, the wines are often distinctive, finely fruity and acidic. Grown in very good sites and vintages, the red wines are full-bodied and long-lasting with pleasant acidity.
• Cultivation: Lemberger can adapt well to a range of soil characteristics. It thrives best in deep, fertile loess loam soils that can be somewhat sandy. But heavier, not too cohesive limestone soils, such as shell limestone, are also suitable. The variety has a strong growth, which explains the site-related tendency to run. Due to the robust berry skin, Lemberger shows a low sensitivity of the berries to botrytis and allows a ripe, late harvest.