Achterhoek - Winterswijk

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The soil of the East Netherlands plateau around Winterswijk consists of leem and kalk, in contrast to the more westerly Achterhoek with its rivierklei and drift-sand deposits.
• Geologically remarkable: Jurassic Lias outcrops near Winterswijk in several stream beds; the surrounding area has been designated a Nationaal Landschap (2005).
• Slightly lower night-time temperatures (avg. min. 9.93 °C) promote fresh, fruity wines, while higher daytime temperatures and more sunshine ensure riper grapes.

• Cultivation follows the Guyot method: annual cane tying, with an open fruit zone after leaf removal to accelerate drying and maximise sunlight exposure.

• White and rosé wines are fresh and full-fruited (ripe fruit/citrus); red wines show a full palate with soft tannins.
• Cold fermentation preserves freshness and fruit character in white and rosé wines; oak ageing lends red wines soft tannins and body.

• Leem in the soil adds body to the wine and protects the ground from drying out, while kalk supplies nutrients via groundwater.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

• Specification (EUR-Lex, single document)
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-NL-02402
• Official trade body site — Vereniging Nederlandse Wijn Producenten (VNWP)