Geographic Location

Affental is located approximately 10 km south of Baden-Baden and is a district of the city of Bühl. The Affental grape-growing land belongs to the viticultural area of Baden, Germany’s southern-most wine-growing regions. Here amid the warmth of the Rhine River at the foot of the Black Forest, spring begins early. Warm granite-weathered soil on the steep Black Forest precipices and strong loess terrain on the soft foothills are best suited for the cultivation of Pinot Noir and Rieslings. 

 

History

Already in the year 1250, the Cistercians began cultivating Pinot Noir in the Affental. Affental’s unique name derives from a pilgrimage chapel, which stood near the grapevines. In support of the pilgrims’ “Ave Maria”, the valley was known as “Ave Tal” (Ave Valley) in the local vernacular, from which today’s “Affental” (Valley of the Monkeys) evolved. The origin of the Affental Viticultural Cooperative dates back to the year 1908. At the time, 24 winegrowers founded the “Natural Viticultural Association of Affental” From this, today’s Affental Viticultural Cooperative was created over the years with approximately 240 hectares of vineyard. Long-time success in tasting competitions attests to the special quality of Affental wines.

 

Varieties

Riesling (50%) and Pinot Noir (35%) are traditionally the two main vine varieties of the Affental Viticultural Cooperative.

 

Excerpt from the Wine Selection

"Leo Klär Selection" (SLK)

The wines of the “Leo Klär Selection” are the premier products of the Affental Viticultural Cooperative. On the best sites of the Bühl grape-growing land, TOP winegrowers, together with oenologists, Leo Klär und Medard Jung, produced wines of unique character and heretofore unattained quality. Winemaker Leo Klär’s own name ensures the quality of the wines, which are labelled with the signet, “SLK”.

 

Affental Edition

Late harvest, rich, full-bodied grapes with above-average quality are used for the Affental Edition. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer wine or a strong late harvest vintage – the Affental Edition offers the right wine for every occasion. 

 

Monkey Bottles

The original monkey bottle has been a brand symbol of the Affental Viticultural Cooperative since 1949. The bottle with the monkey has since reached cult status among numerous wine lovers across Germany. The monkey bottles for Riesling or Pinot Noir are the most important export items of the Affental Viticultural Cooperative. The United States is the most significant export market for these items.