Location and landscape
The Julius-Echter-Berg is a vineyard site in Iphofen in the Franconian wine-growing region Franken. It lies on the south-facing slope of the Schwanberg, a western outlier of the Steigerwald hills. The steep hillside, which is predominantly oriented to the south, has gradients of up to around 60 to 70 percent. The classified vineyard area lies roughly between 270 and 370 metres above sea level.
Climate and soils
The wooded ridge above the site provides protection from cold north and east winds. The south-facing orientation and warming Keuper soils favour a warm microclimate and an extended ripening period. Geologically, the Julius-Echter-Berg is assigned to the Middle Keuper and Gipskeuper, with grey-brown Keuper marl. In the upper portion there is a great deal of skeletal material, traces of reed sandstone and fossilised marine deposits.
Grape varieties and wine style
As classified grape varieties, Silvaner, Riesling and Weißburgunder are mentioned. The wines from the site are described as elegant and finely fruity, with spicy notes; they are attributed a high potential for development and a high degree of ageing suitability. A Silvaner from the 2017 vintage from a premium parcel was made dry and classified as VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS.
Classification and history
The Julius-Echter-Berg is listed as VDP.GROSSE LAGE® and comprises a classified area of roughly 24 hectares. The name refers to Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn, Prince-Bishop of Würzburg and founder of the Juliusspital foundation; according to the city of Iphofen, it was adopted around 1920. The site gained international renown through a Riesling Auslese from the 1950 vintage, which was delivered to London in 1953 for the coronation celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II.
Historic vineyard
A historic vineyard within the Julius-Echter-Berg features three terrace systems and documents viticulture in the Middle Ages, around 1800 and around 1960. The plots illustrate, among other things, the medieval mixed planting Huntsch with single-post training, the mixed planting Frentsch around 1800 with Franconian three-post training, and Yellow Silvaner around 1960 in a wire-frame system.
