What I Learned:

There are three distinct wine districts in the Franconian Wine Region: The Mainviereck, the Maindreieck and the Steigerwald. Vineyards here can face more challenges than elsewhere in the region. While the first two districts follow along the Main River, the Steigerwald wine district does not. This means that the climate-moderating effects of a river do not apply. Additionally, the highest vineyards in the Franconian wine region lie in this district, some at almost 400 meters above sea level. Therefore, the elevation, as well as the distance from the Main River means that spring weather effects can come later, and fall weather effects can come earlier, and have more impact, than elsewhere in this wine region.

Two major growth areas cover the section of the district covered by the cycling itinerary in southern Steigerwald. First is the Grosslage Burgberg, around the towns of Wiebeslheim, Bad Windsheim, Humprechtsau, Herbolzheim, Berolzheim, and Ruedisbronn. The second is the Grosslage Frankenberger Schlossstueck around the towns of Ulsenheim, Weigenheim and Markt Nordheim, among others. Both areas are definitively mixed agricultural districts.

As in most of the Steigerwald district, Mueller-Thurgau is the single most planted varietal, followed by Silvaner, and Bacchus, a specialty throughout the entire Franconian Wine Region. Like the other two, Bacchus tends to do well in colder weather. (Hence it is one of the most planted varietals in England!) Ironically though, its flavor profile can be rather floral, and spicy, making it a uniquely delicious wine to sip in the summer.

 

What I Tasted:

2017 Bacchus, Bad Windsheimer Rosenberg, Kabinett, Halbtrocken, Weingut Strebel und Popp (Ipsheim): A semi-dry white wine with a bright lemon-yellow color; mineral and apricot nose, with floral and apricot, mineral and vanilla flavors; with medium acidity.

2017 Bacchus, Kabinett, Halbtrocken, Winzerhof Klaus Markert (Weigenheim): A dry white wine with medium gold color; mineral and floral nose, with apricot and floral flavors, medium acidity

2016 Bacchus, Bullenheimer Paradies, Kabinett, Halbtrocken, Weinbau Erich Schwemmer (Seinsheim): A semi-dry wine, with medium minus gold color; neutral nose, with apricot, white peach and vanilla flavors; medium minus acidity.