Torggel

Name (also Torggl or Torkel) for the tree press already known to the Romans in antiquity, which was still in widespread use until the late Middle Ages. The name is derived from the Latin "torquere" (to turn or stagger), as the tree was lowered by turning. In south-west Germany and Switzerland, the name trotte is commonly used. The Roman politician and writer Cato the Elder (234-149 BC) described the construction of such a press in great detail. The grapes were first stomped with bare feet or crushed with pistons and then subjected to the lever pressure of a 12 to 14 metre long, heavy oak trunk.

Baumpresse im Schloss Salem mit 11 m langem Torkelbaum

In South Tyrol, the term "torggeln" or "torggln" is still used today for pressing the grapes. The custom of enjoying a cosy get-together with hearty food and wine is called Törggelen. The picture above shows a tree press in Salem Castle (former Cistercian monastery) in Baden-Württemberg from 1706 with an approximately 11 metre long "Torkelbaum". The picture below shows a tree press in the Rocca d'Angera castle on Lake Maggiore (Lombardy). See also under winegrowing customs, drinking culture and winemaking.

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Torggel

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