Location and categorisation
The Trautberg, officially Casteller Trautberg, is a vineyard site in Franconia near Rüdenhausen. Classified as a VDP.ERSTE LAGE® site, the area lies somewhat away from the village, in a small valley hollow.
Topography and soil
The site, which faces south to south-west, is at an altitude of around 260 metres and has a slope gradient of approximately 30%. The soil consists of purple Keuper marl with clay marl, and is described as a slightly warming loamy clay soil with a character similar to Keuper gypsum.
Cultivation and grape variety
The classified vineyard area covers 5.15 hectares. The Trautberg is cultivated as a monopoly by the Fürstlich Castell’sche Domäne; the grape variety documented is Silvaner.
Wine and history
The documented dry Silvaner shows a warming structure, harmonious acidity, and a spicy Keuper-gypsum character. The sheltered site stores warmth and at the same time preserves a fresh, harmonious acidity. The Trautberg has already been mentioned under its historic name in a division deed of the Counts of Castell from 1266. Spontaneous fermentation and one-year ageing on the lees in Casteller oak barrels are documented for the Trautberg Silvaner.
