Location
Arlesgarten is a documented vineyard site in Gerolzhofen in Franconia, near the Gertraudiskapelle. From the surrounding area there are views over the Volkachtal towards Michelau and to the Zabelstein. The nearby Gertraudiskapelle is a viewpoint over the northern Steigerwald.
Cultivation
In 2000, the town acquired a plot in Arlesgarten for the establishment of a vineyard. By 2009, a group of eight amateur winegrowers had leased the town’s vineyard there for 25 years.
Grape varieties
For vineyards in the Gerolzhöfer Arlesgarten, Müller-Thurgau and Silvaner are documented. A Silvaner vineyard was planted in 1960 and is ungrafted. In other plantings, Bacchus is also mentioned, as well as Blütenmuskateller, Donauriesling, Souvignier gris, Sauvitage and Calardis blanc.
Wines and ageing
A dry white cuvée from Arlesgarten is produced from Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner and Bacchus with a small proportion of Kerner. Listed are gentle cellar treatment, longer ageing on fine lees, a low sulphur addition and an unfiltered bottling. For a Silvaner from this site, spontaneous fermentation without added pure yeast at around 18 to 20 °C and clarification without fining agents after racking off the coarse lees are described.
