Baden [BAHD-uhn]
A large German Anbaugebiet (quality-wine region) with about 41,000 vineyard acres that is the southernmost of the thirteen Anbaugebiete, with its southern edge touching up against the Swiss border. The major portion of Baden starts along the river Main, just north of Heidelberg, and extends south about 300 kilometers (180 miles) to the city of Basel. Most of the vineyards are situated in the southern portion, from the spa-resort town of Baden-Baden to Basel. One small part of Baden sits next to the Franken Anbaugebiete, which is farther north, and another section is around Bodensee (also called Lake Constance). Baden’s climate is the warmest of the thirteen Anbaugebiete and, as a result, over 70 percent of Germany’s Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) vines are planted here. Müller-Thurgau is the most widely planted variety, with Rülander (Pinot Gris) quite popular as well. The area’s warm climate contributes to wines that are generally higher in alcohol and lower in acidity than those from other parts of Germany. The unusual rosé wine, badish rotgold, which is a local specialty, is made from a combination of Spätburgunder and Rülander grapes. The pale pink Weissherbst wines, generally made from Spätburgunder, are also a local favorite. Baden contains 7 bereiche (including Kaiserstuhl-Tuniberg and markgräflerland), 16 grosslagen, and over 300 einzellagen. Production in Baden is carried out primarily by cooperative cellars including the huge Badischer Winzerkeller, Europe’s largest wine-producing cellar.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.