Location and Landscape
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located in the Ansbach district in Bavaria and belongs to the region Franconia. The town is situated on a hillside above the Tauber valley near the Franconian Heights. Steep valley slopes shape the landscape; the precipitation measuring station Rothenburg ob der Tauber is at approximately 412 metres above sea level.
Geological Framework
The Tauber valley near Rothenburg is cut into Muschelkalk. Parts of the Franconian Heights are connected with Blasensandstein.
Viticulture in the Tauber Valley
Viticulture in the Tauber valley near Rothenburg is documented as a historical use, particularly on slopes facing south. The vineyard site Eich is assigned to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Historic Vineyard Sites
Viticulture at the foot of the town has been documented since around 1100. Historic vineyards are characterised by dry stone walls, terraces, vineyard cottages and rows of field stones. After a decline in the 19th and early 20th centuries, a cautious revival began. The grape varieties associated with local viticulture include Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau and the regional variety Tauberschwarz.
