Location and surroundings
Handthal is a district of Oberschwarzach in the Steigerwald Nature Park in Lower Franconia, Bavaria. The village is located in Franconia. The slopes benefit from direct sunlight; westerly storm fronts frequently split up before reaching the village.
Handthaler Stollberg
The Handthaler Stollberg is oriented to the south as far as the south-west and lies at an elevation of 250 to 280 metres. The slope gradient is 20 to 45 per cent, and the documented soil is Keuper. The classified area comprises 1.22 hectares.
Grape varieties and wine style
For the Handthaler Stollberg, Silvaner and Scheurebe are listed as classified grape varieties. In addition, cultivation of Bacchus has been tested there. The State Winery Cellar of Würzburg works in this location. A 2024 Silvaner is described as dry and presented as full-bodied, with a mineral structure and fine texture, with hints of ripe fruit.
Village and castle history
The place name is explained as a valley by or with a hedge. Handthal developed from the small settlements of Winkel, Bramberg and Babental. Nearby is the Stollburg ruin, a former hilltop castle, which historians have suggested as a possible birthplace of Walther von der Vogelweide. The Handthaler Stollberg is classified as VDP.ERSTE LAGE®.
