Franken wine region, home of the Bocksbeutel?
Franken is one of the thirteen wonderful wine regions in Germany. Nestled in the heart of Germany with rolling vineyards, charming villages and rich tradition of winemaking. Franken wine region, known in English as Franconia, is renowned for its for its distinctive flavors & character. While Germany is famous around the world for it's diverse styles of Riesling, Franken however, prides itself for the exceptional Silvaner grape variety. Let's take you on a virtual vacation of this fabulous wine region.
The History of Franken Region (Well, the wine history anyway)
Franconian wine has been grown along the Main River for over 1200 years! The Franconians are proud of their rich history which you will encounter at every turn on your journey. With actual history literally 600,000 years ago, it's a lot to blog about. For our purposes, let's just stick to the wine. The cultivation of grapevines in Franken dates back to the Roman times. It is one of the oldest wine regions in Germany. In the Middle Ages, monasteries played a pivotal role in the development of winemaking in the region. Monks were among the first to recognize the potential of the unique Franken terroir (the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate). The 17th century marked the revival of the Silvaner grape in this region, making Riesling second fiddle! Finally, the moment you've been wondering about since the beginning of this blog. The Bocksbeutel!!! Over centuries, Franken developed a distinct wine culture with its own traditions including the Bocksbeutel bottle. This is a flattened, flask-like bottle unique to the region. The name originates from the work book because it fit into the pouch the monks and pilgrims carried their prayer book in. Since the 18th century, it has been the trademark of exceptional wines from Franconia. This bottle is protected by the European Union. More than forty percent of all Franken wines are bottled in the Bocksbeutel. Only Franken and nearby villages in northern Baden are allowed to use the Bocksbeutal, with selected areas in Portugal, Italy and Greece permitted to employ their own variation. Though deceiving, they are the "normal" 750ml bottle. Pictured below... shameless plug of what is coming to our portfolio!
The grapes of Franken...
Silvaner: This white grape variety primarily found in Germany and a bit undervalued. Silvaner wines boast a peach-like fruit and herbal flavors. I found this wine very neutral, light bodied, low-medium acidity.
Muller-Thurgau: Another white grape variety. I found this wine more aromatic than the Silvaner. Off dry, light bodied with medium acidity.
Gewurztraminer: This white wine is full of floral and sweet aromas. Don't be fooled by that though, it is an off dry, medium bodied, low acidity delicious wine.
Riesling: The most famous grape in Germany hands down. It's flavors can go from desert dry to super sweet, but also gain some deliciousness from the terroir.
Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir): Germany is the world's third largest producer of Pinot Noir. This grape has flavors of red fruits and earthiness. Some are spicy and some aged in oak. Dry, medium bodied, lower tannins with medium acidity.
Domina: I can't not share this one. This grape is primarily found in Franken. It is a dark skinned variety, created in Germany by crossing the Portugieser and Pino Noir. This grape makes makes a great full bodied wine. Which may be finding a way to the U.S. someday!
The terroir... what's in the soil that makes Franconian wine delish?
The terroir and geography of the Franken wine region are important parts in it's distinctive wines. The Main River flows through the region creating a unique microclimate that is favorable for grape cultivation. The river provides temperature moderation which helps the grapes ripen slow and even. The primary soil type in Franken is Keuper. This soil is rich in minerals and excellent drainage. Other factors are shell-limestone, colored sandstone and gypsum. The steep slopes of many vineyards in Franken are planted on steep hillsides, often south facing to maximize sun exposure.
I believe you should go there...
I am a firm believer if you are given the opportunity to travel, DO IT!! There are so many amazing places in this world. If you'd like to visit this excellent wine region, there are actually more things to do there! https://www.frankentourismus.com/ for more information. If you are looking for an authentic German vacation. Check out this winery, that also has lodging facility and restaurant!
We are so blessed to have a winery in this region providing us with some very special wines. Hope you have enjoyed this quick read on Franken. Prost!
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