Franken
Wine Estates
Franken
History & Legacy
- Founded in 1316, one of the oldest wineries in the world.
- Still operates as a charitable foundation.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Traditional Franconian craftsmanship.
- Focus on dry Silvaner and Riesling.
Key Vineyards
- Würzburger Stein
- Würzburger Stein-Harfe
Style Signature
- Classic, spicy, limestone‑driven Silvaner.
- Elegant, food‑friendly wines.
History & Legacy
- Historic noble estate.
- Known for red wines from red sandstone soils.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Burgundy‑influenced Pinot Noir.
- Structured, elegant whites.
Key Vineyards
- Klingenberger Schlossberg (red sandstone)
Style Signature
- Some of Franken’s best Pinot Noir.
- Spicy, mineral whites.
History & Legacy
- Family estate since 1630.
- A leading producer of Silvaner in Germany.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Focus on dry, expressive Silvaner.
- Stainless steel for clarity; some oak for depth.
Key Vineyards
- Iphöfer Julius-Echter-Berg (gypsum keuper)
- Iphöfer Kronsberg
Style Signature
- Powerful, spicy Silvaner with depth.
- Some of the region’s most iconic bottlings.
History & Legacy
- Family estate known for precision and consistency.
- Particularly famous for noble‑sweet wines.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Meticulous vineyard work.
- Stainless steel for freshness.
Key Vineyards
- Escherndorfer Lump — steep, south‑facing, limestone.
- Escherndorfer Fürstenberg
Style Signature
- Brilliant Silvaner and Riesling.
- Some of Germany’s best BA/TBA wines.
History & Legacy
- Founded in 1576 as a charitable foundation winery.
- One of Germany’s largest and most historic estates.
- Known for producing benchmark Silvaner and Riesling.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Precision, purity, and classical Franconian structure.
- Mix of stainless steel and large oak (Stückfass).
- Strong focus on dry wines.
Key Vineyards
- Würzburger Stein — one of Germany’s most famous limestone sites.
- Würzburger Innere Leiste
Style Signature
- Mineral, structured Silvaner.
- Long‑lived, aristocratic Rieslings.
History & Legacy
- Another top estate from the Lump vineyard.
- Known for purity and finesse.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Stainless steel, spontaneous fermentation.
- Focus on dry Silvaner.
Key Vineyards
- Escherndorfer Lump
Style Signature
- Elegant, mineral, tightly wound Silvaner.
History & Legacy
- Rising star of the region.
- Known for biodynamic farming and limestone‑driven wines.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Spontaneous fermentation.
- Long lees aging.
- Focus on Silvaner and Riesling.
Key Vineyards
- Retzstadter Langenberg
- Retzstadter Benediktusberg
Style Signature
- Textural, mineral, modern Silvaner.
History & Legacy
- Founded in 1128, one of the oldest continuously operating wineries on earth.
- The official winery of the Bavarian state.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Traditional vinification with modern precision.
- Focus on dry, terroir‑driven whites.
Key Vineyards
- Würzburger Stein
- Würzburger Pfaffenberg
Style Signature
- Pure, mineral, structured wines.
- Benchmark Silvaner.