VDP.ESTATE
FÜRST HOHENLOHE OEHRINGEN

VDP:What is so special about your winery?

Carl-Julius Cromme: We are the only VDP.Estate in the Hohenlohe district. It is a family winery in the 27^th family generation of the Princes of Hohenlohe Oehringen, which has been involved in viticulture since 1256. The monopole vineyard VDP.GROSSE LAGE® VERRENBERG in Verrenberg is unique in the Hohenlohe district because it is characterised by shell limestone inclusions in the Keuper shale. Our red wine cellar holds one of the few remaining wooden rim barrels, which bears the family coat of arms and was filled for the first time in 1704.

VDP:What is your winery philosophy?

Carl-Julius Cromme: Preserving tradition, but without stagnation.

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

Carl-Julius Cromme: Authentic wines with a strong character that clearly express their origin.

VDP: Do you have a favorite grape variety?

Carl-Julius Cromme: I don't have a favorite, there are so many exciting grape varieties in the world. And you are always surprised.

VDP: Which of your wines would you recommend to someone who does not yet know your winery – as an introduction, so to speak?

Carl-Julius Cromme: Riesling dry VDP.Gutswein or Verrenberg Lemberger VDP.Ortswein

VDP: Which wine are you particularly proud of?

Carl-Julius Cromme: The two top cuvées "Ex flammis orior" and "In Senio". Both wines have enormous ageing and development potential and often only show their greatness after many years of ageing in the cellar.

VDP:Why did you become a winegrower?

Carl-Julius Cromme: It was through my godfather that I first became aware of the great wines of the world, especially when they were mature. This fascination has stayed with me ever since. It gives me particular pleasure when I can pass on my fascination for wine to customers and fellow human beings and the enthusiasm spreads.

VDP: Who was/is your role model?

Carl-Julius Cromme: Rowald Hepp, former winery manager at Schloss Vollrads

VDP:What are your next goals?

Carl-Julius Cromme: To consistently produce high-quality wines and make Württemberg even better known internationally.

VDP:How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Carl-Julius Cromme: It goes without saying that we adhere to tradition. Fast-moving and blindly striving for change would not be congruent with successful viticulture over 27 family generations.

VDP:Why should people visit your winery?

Carl-Julius Cromme: The Hohenlohe district is Limes region and famous for all kinds of culinary delicacies such as Boeuf de Hohenlohe or Swabian-Hall pork.