Location and classification
Altenberg is a registered vineyard site in the area of Franconia’s Saalestück. The site is assigned to Westheim and Feuerthal and is listed in the official Bavarian vineyards register under the larger site Burg. Both places are located in the wine-growing region Franken.
Relief and soils
The Altenberg vineyards in Westheim were historically described as steep slopes. Some earlier vineyard areas on Altenberg were later reforested. In the Hammelburg wine-growing area, the vineyard slopes are predominantly made up of Muschelkalk with portions of clay, while the valley floors are mainly formed from weathered Upper Bunter sandstone.
Climate and grape varieties
The Saale valley has a comparatively demanding wine-growing climate and often a shorter growing season than other parts of Franconia. The local wine-growing industry therefore traditionally favours early-ripening varieties such as Müller-Thurgau and Bacchus. No grape variety has been documented for Altenberg itself.
Historical development
Altenberg in Westheim has been documented as a wine-growing area since the early 20th century. Before 1905, in the Westheim district around 40 hectares were cultivated with vines before downy mildew caused major losses. The steep slopes of Altenberg were planted with vines at an early stage; wine from Westheim was already being served in local historical contexts as far back as 1532.
