Site and Climate
The Schloßberg is located in Wasserlos, a district of Alzenau in the Bavarian part of the wine-growing region Franconia. The vineyard lies near the western edge of the Alzenau wine-growing area. To the west lies the Maine plain, while to the east the foothills of the Spessart rise. The vineyards of Wasserlos are oriented to the south-west towards the Rhine-Main lowlands. For Alzenau, particularly mild climatic conditions are described, which support viticulture.
Soils and History
The soils of the vineyard consist of greenish-brown quartz phyllite. A documented parcel is covered with windblown sand and loess over the bedrock. Viticulture at the Wasserlos Schlossberg has been documented since 1285. In the historic stone vineyard, Riesling and Müller-Thurgau vines were planted in 1952.
Grape Varieties and Wines
The documented grape varieties and wines include Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus, Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder, Sauvignon Blanc, Blauer Silvaner and Merlot. The range includes dry and lightly off-dry white wines at the quality wine level, as well as Spätlese and Kabinett wines. Red wines include, among others, Merlot and Domina.
Cultivation
The vineyard is spread across several family-run wineries. A Merlot parcel planted in 2009 is farmed with regulated yields and selective hand-harvesting. The documented Merlot from this site ripens in wood.
