Location and landscape
Sunshine, also known as the Veitshöchheimer Sonnenschein, lies in Veitshöchheim in Franconia. The vineyard site is in the Birkental area and is crossed by the municipality’s approximately two-kilometre-long wine education trail.
Topography and soils
The site, classified as VDP.ERSTE LAGE®, is oriented towards the west to the south-west. It lies at an altitude of around 180 to 250 metres and has a slope gradient of 35 to 55 per cent. The stony south-west slope is protected in a natural amphitheatre bounded by biotopes and rock outcrops.
Climate and history
The sheltered location provides protection for the vines and holds warmth. The soil is described as skeletal, dry Lower Muschelkalk. Viticulture on the sunny side of the Main valley near Veitshöchheim has been documented since 779. The current large-site designation Veitshöchheimer Sonnenschein developed from the former vineyard areas Talsberg and Fachtel.
Grape varieties and wines
The VDP classification lists Spätburgunder as the grape variety for the site and shows an area of 7.91 hectares. Documented site wines include dry and gently off-dry Kabinett white wines made from Müller-Thurgau, Riesling and Silvaner, as well as a dry Spätburgunder as a VDP.ERSTE LAGE®. A documented Spätburgunder from 2023 was matured in barriques.
