Location and History
Mariengarten is a vineyard site in Kirchschönbach, a district of Prichsenstadt in the wine-growing region Franken. The south- and west-facing plots have a slope of about 20 percent; in 2016, the planted area was given as three hectares.
The name of the site refers to the former Carthusian monastery Mariengarten near Ilmbach by Kirchschönbach. The present-day vineyard was established or restored in 1981 and from 2002 onwards was further cultivated and developed by Ewald and Fred Ruppert.
Vines and Cultivation
The documented robust grape varieties include Souvignier Gris, Muscaris, Sauvignac, Helios, and Johanniter. In addition, historical varieties such as Weißer Traminer, Grünfränkisch, and Adelfränkisch grow at the site; Schwarzriesling and Kerner are listed as the main varieties.
The soil is described as heavy Keuper. Cultivation uses diverse natural ground cover, horse manure, plant charcoal, and Effective Microorganisms. A learning trail set up in September 2020 documents the robust and historical grape varieties as well as the environmental approaches applied at the site. The Steigerwald, according to the growers, has a balancing effect on the climate of the site.
Wine Making
Wine producers associated with Mariengarten document natural wines, including PetNat and wines matured in an amphora vessel. Some wines are made without intensive cellar technology, additives, or fining using natural processes.
For individual wines from the Mariengarten planting, four days of maceration time and vinification in 3-hectolitre barriques are documented.
