Trollinger

Trollinger likely originated in South Tyrol and Trentino, where it is known as Schiava or Vernatsch. The grape has been documented since the 13th century, and its German name is a corruption of 'Tirolinger,' meaning 'of Tyrol.' It migrated northward to southern Germany during the Middle Ages, possibly via Roman or monastic influence. Records of Trollinger in Württemberg date to the 14th century, and by the 17th century it had firmly established itself as the region's primary variety. Swabians came to regard it as their national drink, a title it still holds today.

• Name derives from 'Tirolinger,' referencing South Tyrolean origins
• Documented in Württemberg records from the 14th century
• Established as Württemberg's primary variety by the 17th century
• Used in 1929 to create the Kerner crossing (Trollinger x Riesling, released 1969)

Württemberg is the undisputed home of Trollinger in Germany, hosting 98% of all German plantings across 1,888 hectares as of 2023. The region sits at approximately 48°N latitude and benefits from sheltered river valleys along the Neckar River that moderate the otherwise cool continental climate. Vineyards occupy steep, sunny, terraced sites at elevations of 180-300 metres. Soils are diverse and include Keuper, shell limestone (Muschelkalk), calcareous marl, gypsum-Keuper, and Schilfsandstein. In Italy, the grape grows in South Tyrol and Alto Adige under the names Schiava and Vernatsch.

• Cool continental climate with cold winters and warm, sunny summers
• Terraced sites along Neckar River valleys provide essential sun exposure
• Soils include Keuper, Muschelkalk, calcareous marl, and Schilfsandstein
• South Tyrol and Alto Adige represent the secondary growing region in Italy

Trollinger produces light-bodied red wines with pale to ruby color and pronounced acidity ranging from 7 to 10 g/litre, which is unusually high for a red variety. Aromas are fresh and floral, centered on violet, strawberry, red currant, and wild cherry. Wines are typically low in alcohol at 11-13% and often carry a touch of residual sugar in the traditional Württemberg style. Must weight typically reaches only 70 degrees Oechsle, making higher Prädikat wines rare. Trollinger is also produced as a rosé under the Weißherbst designation. The wines are best enjoyed young, within one year of the vintage.

• Acidity of 7-10 g/litre is unusually high for a red wine
• Typical alcohol range of 11-13%; must weight around 70 degrees Oechsle
• Pale to ruby color with floral aromas of violet, strawberry, and wild cherry
• Best consumed within one year of vintage; not suited to extended cellaring

Trollinger is classified at the QbA (Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete) level for most bottlings. Top producers release dry Großes Gewächs designations, representing the ceiling of quality ambition for the variety. Higher Prädikat levels are rare because the grape's naturally low sugar accumulation makes Auslese or above difficult to achieve. Trollinger is a vigorous, high-yielding variety capable of producing up to 100 hl/ha, requiring careful vine training to manage output. It is susceptible to both powdery and downy mildew. Blending with Lemberger (Blaufränkisch) is a common practice in Württemberg.

• Most wines classified as QbA; Großes Gewächs dry designations exist from top producers
• Higher Prädikat wines are rare due to low natural sugar accumulation
• Potential yields of 100 hl/ha require rigorous canopy and yield management
• Commonly blended with Lemberger (Blaufränkisch) in Württemberg