Klaus and Maj Britt Vorgrimmler cultivate 3.2 hectares on the sun-drenched southern tip of the Tuniberg near Freiburg. The
Weingut Klaus Vorgrimmler has been certified organic since 1985 and biodynamic according to Demeter guidelines since 2006. On the fertile loess soils, 65 per cent of the production is Spätburgunder, complemented by Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder and Chardonnay. The winemaking couple follows the lunar phases according to Maria Thun and strengthens their soils with alfalfa, buckwheat and various types of clover. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with wild yeasts from their own vineyards. As a demonstration estate for the Federal Ministry, they show how biodynamic agriculture enriches both wine and environment alike.
Biodynamics by the phases of the moon
Klaus and Maj Britt Vorgrimmler organise all their vineyard work around Maria Thun's
biodynamic calendar. They have been Demeter-certified since 2006, which places them among the pioneers of the biodynamic movement in Baden. Instead of synthetic fertilisers they rely on soil-building plants such as alfalfa, buckwheat and various clovers, which grow between the rows. This green manure feeds the fertile loess soil and encourages life within it. Their
Spätburgunder benefits from this intensive work on the soil and develops a remarkable minerality. The
Pinot Noir "Dachs" 2022 shows clearly how biodynamic farming sharpens the imprint of terroir.
Hand harvesting and wild yeasts on the Tuniberg
Their exposed site at the
southern tip of the Tuniberg gives the Vorgrimmlers ideal conditions for their Burgundian varieties. The warm loess soil stores the sun's heat and lends the wines their characteristic power and finesse. All the grapes are picked by hand and handled gently. For the reds, Klaus Vorgrimmler practises
open-top fermentation on the skins, while the natural yeast population of his own vineyards drives the fermentation. He shares this traditional method with other leading growers in the region such as
Franz Keller, who likewise trusts in the power of wild yeasts. The elegant
Nemochet 2023, made from Chardonnay, shows how this natural fermentation brings out varietal character.
A demonstration farm for ecological diversity
As a
demonstration farm of the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture, the estate opens its doors to anyone interested. Klaus and Maj Britt Vorgrimmler also offer vineyard walks in English, explaining their methods of ecological farming along the way. Encouraging insect diversity is particularly close to the couple's hearts; the rows hum and buzz with life all year round. This
living biodiversity is reflected in their wines too. The
Pinot Blanc de Noir 2024, a white wine from immediately pressed Spätburgunder grapes, embodies this vitality with its restrained elegance and mineral precision. With just 3.2 hectares of vines, the Vorgrimmlers prove impressively that quality comes before quantity.
