Location and Geography
The Würzburg Abtsleite is located in Würzburg, below the Keesburg garden suburb, on the south-west slope of the Neuberg. The classified site extends from Kantstraße towards Randersackerer Teufelskeller and then runs north-eastwards along the Alandsgrund to the university sports centre at Hubland. Its south to south-west aspect, 180 to 270 metres in elevation and 20 to 45 percent slope steepness shape the location.
Climate and Soils
The south-west-facing location benefits from the warmth of the Würzburg basin. Upper shell limestone and deep, loamy soils characterise the subsoil; the shell limestone has a high capacity for storing heat.
Viticulture and History
The 31-hectare site belongs to the growing region Franken and is classified as a VDP.ERSTE LAGE. Silvaner, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Traminer and Muskateller are grown. For plots belonging to the Juliusspital winery, the documentation includes yield reduction, measures for caring for the soil and the preservation of an intact vineyard ecosystem. Viticulture at this site has already been documented in a Würzburg border description dating from 779.
Wine Styles and Maturation
Documented are dry Rieslings and Silvaners, Muskateller Kabinett as well as Traminer Spätlese. A Riesling from the Abtsleite is described with aromas of peach, ripe apricot and orange, invigorating acidity and a firm palate structure. For this wine, a spontaneous fermentation in a large wooden cask with subsequent maturation over several months on the full lees in the same vessel is documented; a Traminer was spontaneously fermented and matured in 225-litre barriques.
