Location and classification
Kiliansberg is a vineyard site in the municipality of Großlangheim in Franken. The site lies at the foot, or on the lower slopes, of the Schwanberg and is oriented to the north to north-west. The average slope gradient is about 10 to 15 percent. In terms of wine law, Kiliansberg belongs to the Franconia wine-growing region, Schwanberger Land area, and to the Großlage Schloßberg.
Soils and grape varieties
The parent rock is Keuper, more precisely gypsum Keuper. The soils are described as heavy and loamy and are often grey to grey-brown. Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau are regarded as the most important grape varieties of the site. In addition, Bacchus, Domina and Regent are grown in the vineyards of Großlangheim, including Kiliansberg.
Wines and farming
From Kiliansberg, among other wines, dry and late-harvest Silvaner are bottled. A Silvaner parcel was planted in 1974 and has been readied for the 2024 vintage with vines that are 50 years old. For a late-harvest Silvaner from Kiliansberg, selective picking at the end of October 2020 is documented; the grapes were protected with bird-protection nets. The winery Erich Hoppert has produced its wines exclusively vegan since 2018.
Historical reference
For Großlangheim, vineyards are already recorded in a donation from the year 1224 to the Ebrach monastery. The name Kiliansberg is locally associated with the holy Kilian, who, according to local tradition, preached in Großlangheim.
