Württembergisches Unterland Wine Region

The appellation Württem Bergisches Unterland is located in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, in the heart of the historical Württemberg region on the middle Neckar. This is the largest wine appellation in the region, with nine vineyards primarily located in the middle and lower Neckar valleys. Other minor vineyards may be found along the Bottwar, Murr, and Schozach. In these valleys, there are several steep slope vineyards, and the plots are typically terraced and must be tended by hand. Heilbronn, the region's wine hamlet, presents one of the most well-known and biggest wine festivals.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Württem Bergisches Unterland!

Where is the Württem Bergisches Unterland wine region?

Württem Bergisches Unterland is located in southern Germany, in the heart of the Württemberg wine region. This is the largest wine appellation in the area, accounting for 80% of total wines produced in the Württemberg region. The location is only 7 kilometers north of Stuttgart's city center, 75 kilometers southeast of Karlsruhe, 110 kilometers southeast of Heidelberg, and 200 kilometers southwest of Nuremberg. Heuchelberg, Kirchenweinberg, Lindelberg, Salzberg, Schalkstein, Schozachtal, Stauffenberg, Stromberg, and Wunnenstein are the nine large vineyards in the region.

The terroir and geography of the Württem Bergisches Unterland wine region

The wine appellation Württem Bergisches Unterland has a continental influence, with hot-arid summers and harsh winters. The grapes are terraced along the river's banks on a steep slope. In the middle Neckar, the soils are largely made up of Keuper and shell limestone. The location has a suitable environment, which helps grapes develop their characteristics. Vineyards are mostly found along the Bottwar, Murr, and Schozach streams. Shell limestone dominates the terraced vineyards near the riverbanks, whereas Keuper dominates those further away.

Popular grape varieties from the Württem Bergisches Unterland wine region

Pinot Noir, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, and Elbling are popular grape varietals in the region. The Württem Bergisches Unterland area produces mostly red wines with a little amount of white wine. The wine is distinguished by its light-bodied feel, mild and delicate acidity, and flavors of violet, red currants, strawberries, sweet or tart red cherries, and occasionally a note of almond on the finish. 

Food to pair with Württem Bergisches Unterland wine 

Yakizakana

Yakizakana is a grilled fish dish that originated in Japan. The fish is usually served whole and sometimes with gravy on top as well. The dish is widely popular across the world with a lot of variations.  The dish is versatile and is enjoyed as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. In the Japanese deli, the fish can be bought raw, salted, or marinated in soy sauce or miso. The perfectly grilled fish is juicy with crispy skin. The most common fish used to make Yakizakana are Horse mackerel, salmon, cod, and needlefish. As the main course, the grilled fish is served along with a bowl of rice and miso soup. The dish calls for direct fire as it was made before the Edo Era. This juicy and tender fish goes well with the Riesling of the Württem Bergisches Unterland.

Pernil

Pernil uses pork shoulder that has been seasoned and marinated before being gently roasted. Salt, pepper, sofrito, oregano, paprika, adobo mojado, garlic, vinegar, and sazon are common marinade ingredients. The dish's star component is pork shoulder, which is readily available. The hog shoulder is marinated overnight and gently roasted until the delicious meat pulls away from the bone. Cooking time for the Pernil is roughly 6 hours, and one pig shoulder serves 16 people. Many individuals feel that it is superior to ham. Typically, the meal is made for festivals, special occasions, and parties. The Pernil can be paired with the red wines from the Württem Bergisches Unterland region. 

Sashimi

Sashimi is a traditional Japanese appetizer that consists of thinly sliced raw fish (Tuna, squid, scallop, whale, and octopus), shellfish, or pork. The dish is usually served with soy sauce, wasabi, and additional ingredients. There is a lot of variation of the dish that mostly depends on the chef and occasions. The slices are cut in a variety of ways ranging from incredibly thin to thick slices. The Sashimi is often served along with shiso leaves, seaweed, and salads. Traditionally, the Japanese offer an odd number of sashimi slices on the plate which is called mukozuke as even numbers are taken as unlucky. The dish complements both red and white wines from the Württem Bergisches Unterland wine appellation. 

Places to visit in the Württem Bergisches Unterland wine region

Heidelberg Palace

Heidelberg Palace is one of the world's most well-known ruins. The remains are located on the Königstuhl hill's high northern slope, far from the valley. The outline of the palace's ruins may be seen from anywhere in the valley. The Heidelberg palace has a fascinating history. The palace was previously the home of the Rhine Count Palatine. The palace first appears in a record dated 1225, which mentions it as one of the largest monuments created during that period. The palace was a noteworthy edifice in the Roman empire during the Thirty Years' War. The French repeatedly attacked and destroyed the palace throughout the 17th century. This day is marked by stunning fireworks shows that take place many times a year. In 1764, the palace was rebuilt only to be destroyed by lightning strikes. A million travelers from all around the world visit Heidelberg Palace each year. These majestic ruins have been connected with Romanticism since the early eighteenth century.

Luisenpark

Luisenpark is a state-run park located in Mannheim on the left back of the river Neckar. The park is spread over 41 hectares and the lower park is also conserved as a historic garden. The park was built in the late 19th century and dedicated to Carl William, a legendary german scientist. The park later involved the Mannheim municipality to back the funding to make the park. The upper part of the park boasts several greenhouses, gardens, and a variety of amenities focused on children. The 33 hectares of the upper park on the other side of the Neckar river is maintained by Stadtpark Mannheim GmbH, a nonprofit organization. There are a lot of things going on all over the year and attract over a million visitors. The park is one of the most beautiful parks in all of Europe. When you are around the Württem Bergisches Unterland area, do not forget to visit this amazing park. 

Frequently asked questions about Württem Bergisches Unterland