Location and classification
Sonnenberg is an officially registered single vineyard (Einzellage) in the municipality of Marktbreit in the MainSüden area of the wine-growing region Franken. The vineyards lie to the north-east of Marktbreit towards Marktsteft and Michelfeld and belong to the large vineyard site (Großlage) Kitzinger Hofrat. The name Sonnenberg, with the municipality name Marktbreit, is listed in the Bavarian register of registered geographical wine designations. Since the 1970s, the site has been marketed as Marktbreiter Sonnenberg.
Topography and soils
The slopes, which are predominantly oriented to the south to the south-west, have gradients of around 30 to 35 per cent. The vineyard area was given as 21 hectares in 2019. Marktbreit lies in the Main triangle (Maindreieck), which is among the warmer and drier parts of Franconia (Franken) and is described as favourable for wine-growing. Geologically, the Sonnenberg is classified as Muschelkalk; for the Marktbreiter Sonnenberg, weathered Muschelkalk with a sand covering is documented.
Grape varieties and wines
Müller-Thurgau is listed as the most important grape variety of the site. In addition, plantings of Silvaner and Portugieser are documented. Wines associated with the Marktbreiter Sonnenberg include dry Silvaner and Portugieser bottlings.
Winemaking
For a Silvaner from the Marktbreiter Sonnenberg, around four weeks of ageing on the fine lees with regular stirring after fermentation are documented. For a Silvaner from the 2019 vintage, partial mash fermentation (Maischegärung) is stated.
