Viticulture in the Remstal since 1514: from Gottlob Ellwanger to Jörg and Felix
The Ellwanger family has been growing wine since 1514. Gottlob Ellwanger founded the current winery in Winterbach in 1949. Under Jürgen Ellwanger, the business grew steadily and became a member of the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) and the HADES study group. He also introduced the Zweigelt grape variety, which originates from Austria, to the Remstal.
Today, Jörg and Sylvia Ellwanger run the winery together with Felix Ellwanger. Jörg Ellwanger works as the cellar master, and several generations work closely together in the house.
26 hectares in five villages: location before quantity
The vines grow on 26 hectares, which are distributed across five villages. Soils and microclimate differ from location to location, and each grape variety develops its own character as a result. For the top wines, the winery consciously reduces the harvest quantity.
The family understands tradition as an obligation. At the same time, a spirit of innovation and looking beyond one's own nose are part of their tradition. In addition to the VDP and HADES, the winery is represented in the Barrique-Forum. The program also includes sparkling wine and distillates. A sparkling wine bottle from the house dates back to 1989.
Red wine from Württemberg, Riesling from the Altenberg: the assortment
The assortment consists of about 65 percent red wine and 35 percent white wine. Riesling, Lemberger, Trollinger, Zweigelt, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay are grown. In addition, there are Burgundy varieties, such as Pinot Blanc from the Winterbach Hungerberg site and Pinot Noir from the Hebsacker Linnenbrunnen. The Lemberger from the Hebsacker Berg also belongs to the house's Große Gewächse.
The Schnait Altenberg Riesling GG shows how the winery understands white wine. On the nose, there are ripe yellow fruits such as peach and apricot, plus some grapefruit and pineapple. On the palate, it starts powerfully, appears dense, and has a long finish. The acidity is fresh and supple; minerality and spice carry the wine. It goes well with fish, light meat, and pasta. If you expect more from Württemberg than Trollinger in a quarter-liter glass, you will find a good answer at Ellwanger.
