Location and Classification
Himmelberg is a historic wine-growing site in Leinach and is recorded in the Bavarian vineyards register for the municipality of Leinach. The vineyard areas are located in the outlying districts of Oberleinach and Unterleinach in the Mittelmain wine-growing region of the Franken region. They extend over the southern part of Leinach, with a concentration on the south-eastern slope of the Volkenberg.
Terrain and Climate
The wine-growing site comprises hillside and plateau areas. The documented area is parcelled out and broken up by fallow vineyard plots. The local climate is considered dry and warm. For the associated dry site in Leinach, a mean annual temperature of 9.3 °C and an annual rainfall of 633 mm are given.
Soil and Grape Variety
Himmelberg lies for the most part on Lower Muschelkalk with bands of Schaumkalk. The associated soils are shallow-rooting rendzinas formed by a loamy, calcareous top layer over compact Muschelkalk. The dry and warm conditions enable viticulture on sun-drenched slopes. As the predominant grape variety, Spätburgunder is stated.
Wine-Growing History
Viticulture in Leinach has been documented since the year 744. Up to the end of the 19th century, there were more than 200 hectares of vineyard area there; today, around 60 hectares are farmed.
