Location and landscape
The Scharlachberg lies to the south-east of Thüngersheim in the Franconian wine-growing region to the east of the B27 and the Würzburg–Aschaffenburg railway line. The south to south-west facing site extends from 190 to 300 metres in altitude and has slope gradients of 30 to 50 percent.
Climate and terroir
The wine-growing area around Thüngersheim is characterised by low rainfall in the Maintal and a Mediterranean-influenced microclimate. The geological subsoil consists of Buntsandstein and Lower Muschelkalk; exposed limestone beds of the Lower Muschelkalk are also part of the terroir.
Vines and research
For the Scharlachberg, Riesling, Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau are listed as classified grape varieties. Part of the site is used by the Bavarian State Institute for Agriculture as a research location. There, among other things, new grape varieties as well as alternative ground cover are being tested using olive and almond cuttings. Between the rows of vines, ground cover and straw mulch are documented.
Classification and development
The Scharlachberg is classified as VDP.ERSTE LAGE® and comprises a classified area of 93 hectares in Franken. As part of land consolidation, in 1977 the Neuberg area was recorded with 90 hectares and around 400 participants. In 1981, a symbolic planting of the last vine took place; between 1987 and 1989, a four-kilometre long wine education trail was created through the site.
