Location and classification
Bischofsberg is a vineyard site in Großheubach in Franconia, in the Untermain area of Bavaria. The official vineyard site belongs to the Churfranken area and lies in the Miltenberg district near the Main. The larger Bischofsberg wine-growing area covers around 50 hectares.
Relief and soils
The VDP-classified site is oriented from south to south-southeast and has slope gradients of around 20 to 45 per cent. It lies at around 200 to 250 metres above sea level. The soils consist of stony, weathered Bunter sandstone with loess components.
Microclimate and cultivation
Bischofsberg is considered to be climatically favoured. Heat-storing dry-stone walls contribute to the local vineyard climate. The vineyards are mostly laid out on steep natural stone terraces, arranged across the slope, and structured with dry-stone walls. In the larger area, small plots created through inheritances are interrupted by orchards; cultivation is carried out mainly as a secondary occupation.
Grape varieties and history
As a classified grape variety of Bischofsberg, Spätburgunder is listed; red wines produced from it are documented. In the larger wine-growing area, Blauer Spätburgunder, Frühburgunder, Portugieser, St. Laurent, Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Kerner, Bacchus and Riesling are also grown, from which red and white wines are made. According to municipal tradition, viticulture has shaped life in Großheubach since 1254. The name Bischofsberg is associated with the nearby Engelberg monastery and other religious influences. A 14-hectare portion is designated as VDP.GROSSE LAGE Bischofsberg.
