Location and classification
Kelter is the officially documented vineyard site Himmelstadter Kelter in Himmelstadt in the Main-Spessart district of Bavaria. It belongs to the quality wine-growing region Franconia and is located in the Mittelmain area within the Großlage Roßtal.
Topography and soils
The vineyard plots are situated on the slopes above the River Main valley, to the east of Himmelstadt. Views across the River Main valley are documented from the vineyard paths. Shell limestone is cited as the starting material and/or soil type.
Vineyard areas and research
The site covers about 35 hectares. The Bavarian State Institute for Viticulture and Horticulture maintains a viticultural experimental plot there. From 1997 to 2007, a ten-year research project on organic viticulture was carried out in Himmelstadter Kelter with Müller-Thurgau and Silvaner. Further trials focused on protection against late frosts using a mobile wind machine, as well as on irrigation of Müller-Thurgau with differing intensities.
Grape varieties and wine styles
Müller-Thurgau is documented as the main variety; in addition, Bacchus, Silvaner, Scheurebe, Kerner, Riesling, Domina, Weißburgunder, and Grauburgunder are also named. The site produces white and red wines, as well as Rotling. Documented commercial examples include Kabinett, Qualitätswein and/or QbA, as well as dry and off-dry versions.
