Location and Topography
Pfülben is a vineyard site west of Randersacker in the wine-growing region Franconia. It extends towards the Main and is bordered on both sides by steep side valleys. The slopes facing south to south-west have inclines of 30 to 65 percent; for a single estate plot of the State Princely Cellar, 45 to 70 percent are documented. The site lies at around 170 to 260 metres above sea level.
Climate and Soils
The nearby Main reflects light and warmth. For the Main Valley, a hot climate, evenly distributed rainfall, and comparatively small day-night temperature differences are described. The medium- to deep-rooting, humus-rich soils consist of shell-limestone marl; the geological profile records Upper Shell Limestone (Oberer Muschelkalk). They warm up easily and can store heat.
Grape Varieties and Wine Style
As classified grape varieties of the site, the VDP lists Riesling and Silvaner. Pfülben is classified as a VDP.GROSSE LAGE® in the Franconia wine-growing region. A dry Riesling from Randersacker Pfülben is described as VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS with a purist character.
History and Viticulture
The name Pfülben is traced back to the historical forms Pfülwe and phulwen, which refer to the cushion-like shape of the site. The site and a wine originating from it are documented in the 19th century; for 1872, a high must price is mentioned. After land consolidation, the historical vineyard Altfränkischer Wengert was created at the end of the 1980s. There, head-training is used, stakes rather than modern wire trellis systems, and labour-intensive hand work; mineral fertiliser and plant protection products are not used. In Upper Pfülben there are also terraces with shell-limestone dry-stone walls, a water stairway, and dry-stone walls made of field stones dating from the 18th to the 20th century.
