Location and Classification
Sonnenstuhl is a vineyard site in Randersacker in the Franconian wine-growing region. The Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates classifies the site as VDP.ERSTE LAGE®. The classified area covers 38.00 hectares.
Relief and Soils
The vineyards, facing south to south-west and south-west, are located at around 160 to 230 metres above sea level and show predominantly 30 to 60 percent slope. The area of Rückersell forms the steepest part of the ridge with a gradient of up to 68 percent.
The geological subsoil consists of Middle Muschelkalk from the Triassic. In the steep upper areas, there are clayey loam soils; in the lower part near Lindelbacher Straße, there is sand to loamy sand.
Climate and Grape Varieties
The Main Valley climate is mild, with an average annual temperature of around 9 to 10 °C, long summers and short, mild winters. The site lies in the rain shadow of the Spessart and Rhön; annual precipitation is around 500 to 550 millimetres. Water scarcity can occur on the slopes.
For the VDP classification, Silvaner, Riesling and Spätburgunder are designated.
Historical Development
The present site comprises the earlier vineyard areas Hohes Roth and Riedberg as well as the historical sub-areas Bussbrunn, Rückersell, Paradies and Sandgruben. The name Sonnenstuhl is connected with a very steep area enclosed by walls and means seat of the sun. The area was also mentioned as early as 1240 under a historical name. In Riedberg, land consolidation took place in 1959; in Rothberg, it took place from 1967 to 1968.
