Location and Geography
Steinbach is a registered single vineyard in the Main-South area of the wine-growing region Franconia. The legally defined municipal name is Sommerhausen. The classified vineyard area covers 30.00 hectares and lies at an elevation of 180 to 240 metres. It is oriented towards the south-southwest and has a slope gradient of 40 to 70 percent.
Soil and Microclimate
The soil consists of block limestone, a block-like limestone formation from the Triassic. The site is sheltered from wind and is slightly bowl-shaped. Sunlight reflected from the Main improves the local conditions for warmth.
Grape Varieties and Wine Style
For Steinbach, the VDP profile lists Silvaner, Riesling, White Pinot (Weißer Burgunder), Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Scheurebe and Rieslaner as classified grape varieties. The site is used for VDP.ERSTE-LAGE wines, including dry Silvaner and Riesling wines from Schloss Sommerhausen.
History and Cultivation
In 1964, Joh. Kaspar Steinmann documented the rediscovery of a vine of Blue Silvaner in an old vineyard in Sommerhausen Steinbach. The selection was later propagated as Steinmann 25. In 2011, Schloss Sommerhausen converted its entire operation to controlled organic viticulture.
