Founded in 1993 and based on a cooperative agreement between the "Naturland Association for Natural Cultivation and the "German Association for Qulity Rated Wineries". Soil is precious and careful handling of this basic asset is close to the heart of all members. The use of green and precisely organized organic manure maintains the supply of natural humus which increases the good health of the soil which is essential for small, high quality, harvests.
The measures taken for the soil and the green-covering help towards the longevity of the vine and the progression of its natural resistance to disease. By careful cultivation of the soil, sowing of variety rich green-covering and through organic fertilizing the soil, life increases and useful animal and insect life is guarded. Vetches, clover, peas and beans collect nitrogen out of the air and carry it through their widely ramified root network. They also help in the development and stabilization of loose crumbly soil structure. Grains supply energy to the life of the soil through their formed mass build-up. Canola, turnips and oil radishes upply energy to the life of the soil and serve as natural supports for creeping plants whilst hollyhocks and phacelias help as lure for useful insects by supplying pollen and nectar for them
"Devour and be devoured" applies especially to ecological managed vineyards and useful insect and animal life besides being an expression of natural biological balance, they are important in contributing to the protection of the grape vine from harmful organisms. Certain types of flies, mites, ladybugs, beetles, caterpillars, wasps and predatory bugs are extremely welcome and needful inhabitants of the vineyard. Ecological viticulture is concerned in protecting these creatures and optimizing their living conditions.
Vines being an undemanding plant, when less nutrients are introduced to the upper layers of soil, the roots burrow deeper and supply the grapes with essential minerals. There are several thousand varieties of vines which is the oldest cultivated plant in the world and as the vineyards pass from generation to generation, so does the intimate knowledge of the individual vines. The vines are decades old on some of the estates and the NTA members are tireless in producing top quality grapes and work with nature to promote the well-being of their wines.
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