Germany — wine

Franken Wine Region

Franconia in northern Bavaria; Main River meanders through muschelkalk (shell limestone) and keuper soils producing distinctive wines. Famous for Bocksbeutel (squat flask bottle). Silvaner is the flagship variety — earthy, mineral, and savoury. Also excellent Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, and increasingly Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder).

Year Rating Notes
2022 Hot, dry summer; Silvaner achieved full physiological ripeness; excellent concentration with Franken mineral character
2021 Cool and long ripening season; Riesling from Würzburger Stein showed great aromatic precision and acidity
2020 Very warm vintage; Silvaner rich and full; Spätlese wines from top sites show cellar-worthy structure
2019 Great vintage across Germany; Franken's Silvaner reached benchmark levels of complexity and minerality
2018 Early and hot; harvest began in August; Kabinett-style wines light and aromatic with good freshness
2017 Spring frost followed by good summer; reduced yields concentrated remaining fruit; mineral character intense
2016 Classic Franken vintage; well-balanced between ripeness and acidity; Silvaner and Riesling both impressive