Location and landscape
The Schloßberg is situated on the old castle hill above Castell in the wine-growing region Franconia. The steep slopes, oriented to the south and west, drop from about 390 to 300 metres above sea level and show gradients of approximately 40 to 70 per cent. The VDP site profile specifies a western orientation, an altitude of 340 to 370 metres, and an average slope gradient of 50 per cent.
Climate and soil
A belt of woodland protects the site to the north and east; the southern area is additionally shielded by a basin-like hollow. Long evening sunshine and favourable westerly winds shape the microclimate of the southern and western Steigerwald foothills. The vines grow on skeletal-rich gypsum Keuper marl with bluish-grey clay layers, a high gypsum content and alabaster. The thin topsoil layer, rich in humus, encourages the roots to penetrate the rock beneath.
Grape varieties and classification
Silvaner and Riesling are the most important grape varieties of the site; Riesling is particularly associated with the sheltered basin area. In the VDP profile, Silvaner, Riesling and Spätburgunder are listed as classified grape varieties. The Schloßberg comprises around five hectares, of which 1.51 hectares are classified as VDP.GROSSE LAGE. The site is a monopoly of the Fürstlich Castell’sche Domäne.
History and wine character
The name refers to the historical castle grounds of the Counts of Castell. A partition deed covering the Castell estates from around 1266 is regarded as the first documented mention of the important Castell sites. In April 1659, the first 25 Silvaner cuttings documented in Castell were planted in the Schloßberg. The dry Schloßberg Silvaner is described as concentrated, balanced, long-lived and mineral in character due to the gypsum Keuper marl. For a documented vintage of 2018, short maceration times, spontaneous fermentation and ageing in Casteller wood are cited.
