Maindreieck Wine Region

The Maindreieck wine region is the largest of the Franconian areas and lies in the center of the Franconia wine region covering 4200 hectares of vineyards. Maindreieck means Main Triangle in German which is referred to as the triangle formed by the river in the middle portion of Franconia. The Würzburger Stein, a hill north of the city center of Würzburg, is the most well-known vineyard location. The name Steinwein is a synonym for the region's wines. Nearly every village along the Maindreieck produces some wine. Winemaking in the Maindreieck wine region goes back to ancient roman times and has been inherited to this day. The most significant towns and cities include Würzburg, Thüngersheim, Randersacker, Frickenhausen am Main, Sulzfeld am Main, Sommerach, Escherndorf, Nordheim, and Volkach.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Maindreieck!

Where is the Maindreieck wine region?

The Maindreieck wine appellation is a part of the Franken wine region, northwest of Bavaria in the district of Franconia. The Main River encircles the Maindreieck, a triangle-shaped piece of land, on three sides. The Main feeds into the Rhine. This "triangle", which the river forms between Schweinfurt, Ochsenfurt, and Gemunden, as it passes through the center of Franconia, is a shining example of viticulture in south central Germany. Wuerzburg is unquestionably the most significant and well-known town for wine culture in this region.

History of the Maindreieck wine region

A document dated 10 April 1659 that was uncovered in the Castell archive has the oldest documentation of the Silvaner grape in the region. The wine growing in the area dates back to the 11th century when the vineyard surface soared to 40,000 hectares throughout the middle ages which decreased to 2000 hectares in the 20th century. Burg, Engelsberg, Ewig Leben, Hofrat, Honigberg, Kirchberg, Marienberg, Markgraf Babenberg, lspiel, Ravensburg, Roßtal, and Teufelstor are the 12 principal vineyards that make up the region.

The terroir and geography of the Maindreieck wine region

Most of the cultivable land is on the steep slope along the main river where the climate is mild enough to grow grapes. Vineyards occupy the vast part of Main's V-shaped loop. Additionally included are the 30 km from the Main Franconian Saale region and the section of the Tauber valley between Klingen and Tauberrettersheim. Muschelkalk and shell limestones make up the majority of the soil on the occasionally quite steep hillsides alongside the Main river.

Popular grape varieties from the Maindreieck wine region

The region was once dominated by the Silvaner grapes but by the beginning of the 20th century, Muller-Thurgau was widely planted across the region because of its simplicity. White grape varietals account for approximately 80% and red for 20% of the total vineyard surface. Other grapes grown in the region are:

Red varietals: Domina, Pinot Noir (spatburgunder), Dornfelder, Regent, Schwarzriesling, Portugieser, and  Acolon.

White varietals: Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner, Bacchus, Riesling, Kerner, Pinot Blanc, and Scheurebe.

Food to pair with Maindreieck wine 

Foie Gras

In French, foie gras simply means "fatty liver," which was discovered by the ancient Egyptians. When foie gras arrived in Gaul, it quickly became a delicacy for kings and noblemen. It has since become an integral component of French gastronomy, representing culinary skill, culture, and sophistication.

The foie gras is available whole, as pâté, or as a mousse. It is occasionally served in terrines, pan seared, or as an appetizer or entrée. The creamy foie gras is complemented by crisp Maindreieck wines with a mineral flavor profile. The buttery mouthfeel of foie gras is enhanced by Maindreieck wines.

Lobster Thermidor

The Lobster Thermidor is a gorgeous French dish that is surprisingly simple to prepare and pairs well with dry, crisp Meursault. The lobster shells are stuffed with a cooked soft portion of lobster in a creamy rich wine sauce, then fried and topped with parmesan cheese.

There are two versions of how the dish got its name. One of the most common is that Napoleon named it after the month he first ate it. According to the French revolutionary calendar, the month of Thermidor ran from July 19 to August 17. According to another legend, the meal was initially cooked in 1894 at Maire's Restaurant in Paris. Lobster thermidor is called after a performance of Victorian Sardou's play Thermidor at the Comédie Française, which was close to where the restaurant was located. For the greatest experience, pair it with Maindreieck wines. 

Sashimi

Sashimi is a classic Japanese snack made of thinly sliced raw fish, shellfish, or pork (tuna, squid, scallop, whale, and octopus). The meal is typically accompanied by soy sauce, wasabi, and other spices. The meal can be prepared in a variety of ways, depending on the chef and the occasion. The slices are cut in several ways, from extremely thin to thick. Sashimi is frequently served with shiso leaves, seaweed, and salads. Traditionally, the Japanese serve an odd number of sashimi slices on the plate, known as mukozuke, because even numbers are considered unlucky. Both red and white wines from the Maindreieck wine appellation pair well with this dish.

Places to visit in the Maindreieck wine region

Old Main Bridge

Alte Mainbrücke also known as Old Main Bridge, was built between 1473-1543 after the previous Romanesque bridge dating 1133 was destroyed. The statues of saints and historically important figures were added in the 18th century. Embrace the amazing views of Fortress Marienberg and its surroundings. The pedestrian-friendly bridge connects Würzburg's historic district with the area that used to be a fishing community on the Main River's left bank. It has recently become one of the city's most popular gathering places for socializing and meeting old and new acquaintances. Visitors interact with locals, especially on sunny summer nights, and enjoy the vibrant and social environment while sipping a bottle of Franconian wine.

Würzburg Residence

The Würzburg Residence is one of Germany's largest and most magnificent palaces, located in Würzburg, southern Germany. The palace was erected in the 18th century by renowned 18th-century architects, sculptors, and painters. The palace was the residence of the Würzburg prince bishops. It is one of Europe's most prominent Baroque palaces and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is estimated that it took over 60 years to complete. The castle houses the world's largest fresco, which was created by Fresco. There are approximately 40 palace chambers to explore, each with a unique collection of furniture, tapestries, paintings, and other 18th-century artifacts. Venetian art from the 17th and 18th centuries is on display at the State Gallery. 

Frequently asked questions about Maindreieck