Location and Ownership
Stein-Harfe lies in the middle section of the Würzburg stone, above Würzburg in Franconia. The vineyard site covers about 8.3 hectares and extends over a width of around 300 metres. It is a monopoly, owned solely by the Bürgerspital zum Heiligen Geist.
Climate and Topography
The south-facing steep slope lies at about 190 to 280 metres above sea level and has inclines of 25 to 45 per cent. A mild microclimate is associated with the shallow-cut, sheltered valley. In the Stein amphitheatre, the site is considered the warmest and most sun-rich position. The Rotkreuzsteig divides the vineyard site diagonally; from the direction of Würzburg, the rows of vines create a harp-like pattern.
Soil and Grape Varieties
The geological subsoil consists of the Middle Muschelkalk of the Triassic, with an overlying layer of Upper Muschelkalk. The soils contain a high proportion of skeletal material, as well as sandy loam and clayey loam. Stein-Harfe is farmed as a steep-slope vineyard. Silvaner and Riesling are documented as the most important grape varieties, with the VDP Silvaner serving as the classified grape variety of the site.
Wines and History
The Bürgerspital produces from Stein-Harfe a dry Silvaner as a VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS, described as dense and intensely mineral. In addition, elegant-sweet Rieslings are made, including Spätlesen, Auslesen and Beerenauslesen. For a documented Riesling Spätlese, grape selection, pressing of whole clusters, spontaneous fermentation and ageing on fine lees in a stainless-steel tank are specified. The name of the vineyard site is first attested in the 17th century in the form “Harpfe”. Stein-Harfe is classified as a VDP.GROSSE LAGE.
