FRANKEN - Regional Bio Flashcards
Franken - Bio
Located in the north-west state of Bavaria, is one of the most unique regions in the country. Riesling comes in second to Silvaner and Muller-Thurgau, and it is noted that Silvaner outperforms Riesling.
The Bocksbeutal is the distinctive bottle of choice: an ellipsoidal bottle protected by the EU and currently makes up about 40% of the wines bottled in this style. Here, 90% are white varieties and where the Main river weaves through the best wine-producing villages with south-facing vineyards lining its banks. The many tributaries help mitigate the cold winter temperatures brought about by the continental climate. There are three sub-regions: Mainviereck, Maindreick and Steigerwald.
Franken’s winemaking history dates back at least 1200 years. Here Silvaner is regarded as the best and most typical wine. Silvaner Beerenauslese gained fame for the region when it was served at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. Silvaner plantings have declined since the 1960’s because it requires the best sites to thrive, but has also brought about its own demise: new plantings required the deforestation of protective wind breaks in the area subjecting the vines to freezing winds that Silvaner is not suited to.
Today Muller-Thurgau is the most planted grape, followed by Silvaner, Bacchus and Kerner.
