Geography and Climate
Hammelburg lies in the Saale valley and, within the wine-growing region Franken, belongs to the Maindreieck. The vineyards are shaped by numerous small plots and strongly varied terrain. The local climate has a comparatively short growing season; many vineyards are located in the protected side valleys of the Saale.
Soils and Vineyards
Hammelburg lies in the transition between Buntsandstein and Muschelkalk. In the valley locations, weathered Upper Buntsandstein predominates, while the slope locations are for the most part based on Muschelkalk with, in places, loess-derived loam. Local single vineyards include the Saalecker Schlossberg, the Hammelburger Heroldsberg and the Hammelburger Trautlestal; they belong to the wine region Hammelburger Burg. At the Heroldsberg, Lower Muschelkalk and former quarry areas have been documented.
Grape Varieties and Site Conditions
The local conditions traditionally favour early-ripening grape varieties such as Müller-Thurgau and Bacchus. Even Riesling now reaches maturity in Hammelburg. The Hammelburger Trautlestal is oriented to the south to the south-west, lies at around 200 to 250 metres above sea level and has a slope gradient of 25 to 35 percent. As a classified grape variety for this site, Silvaner is stated.
History and Wine Law
Winegrowing in Hammelburg is documented in a deed of gift dated to the year 777, in which vineyards are expressly mentioned. Schloss Saaleck served as a winery from the 12th century onwards; the town of Hammelburg bought the castle in 1964 and operated a municipal winery there until 2011. Wines from Hammelburg may carry the protected designation of origin Franken if the product specifications are met. The term Steillage or Steillagenwein is reserved for wines from vineyards with at least 30 percent slope gradient.
