Location
Burg Hoheneck is an officially registered wine-growing designation in the area of the Mittelfränkische Bocksbeutelstraße. The associated municipality is Ipsheim in Franken. The wine-growing site lies below Burg Hoheneck above Ipsheim on the slopes of the Frankenhöhe, overlooking the Aischgrund. The slopes are oriented to the south to the southwest.
Climate and soils
For the Ipsheimer wine-growing area, an average temperature of around 10 °C, roughly 600 millimetres of annual precipitation and about 1,800 to 2,000 hours of sunshine are given. The site is assigned to the Keuper; red and blue Keuper soils as well as gypsum Keuper and heavy loam soils are described. Protective plantings are intended to reduce cold-air drainage and wind erosion and to improve the microclimate.
Development of the vineyard
Viticulture below Burg Hoheneck has been documented since the Middle Ages. From autumn 1979 onwards, the wine-growing area was comprehensively reorganised and developed. The project included around 28 hectares of modelled vineyard slopes with gradients of 20 to 45 percent, new access routes, drainage measures, land consolidation and erosion protection. Ecological biotopes, grassed field margins, retention basins and further protective plantings supplement the site.
Grape varieties and vinification
In the course of the reorganisation, Müller-Thurgau was planted in particular with 80 percent, Bacchus with 10 percent, and Silvaner and Kerner together with 10 percent. For Ipsheimer Burg Hoheneck, Weißburgunder, Riesling, Scheurebe and Dornfelder are also mentioned. The wines are described as clear and fresh, with fine acidity. For white wines, gentle pressing and cool fermentation are documented; for red wines, traditional mash fermentation as well as maturation in barrique for selected wines.
