Steigerwald Wine Region Guide

Steigerwald is one of three wine-growing areas in the Franconia wine region. The region lies in the eastern part of the Franconia district encompassing a section of the Tauber valley near Rothenburg. The region is largely dominated by the gypsum Keuper formation which is good at retaining heat. The region got its name from this formation process which is known as Steigen, hence Steigerwald. This region is the highest in all franconian wine regions with vineyards at altitudes up to 400 meters above sea level. The most popular variety is Müller-Thurgau with 35% of total production.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Steigerwald!

Where is the Steigerwald wine region?

The Steigerwald area is located in the easternmost portion of the Franconia wine region, northwest of Bavaria, in the district of Franconia. The wine-growing area comprises over 1,500 hectares of vineyards including a section of the Tauber valley in the headwaters of the Tauber near Rothenburg. The most important villages are Iphofen, Rödelsee and Castell. The area is divided into nine major vineyards: Burgberg, Burgweg, Herrenberg, Kapellenberg, Schild, Schloßberg, Schloßstück, Steige and Zabelstein. The region is far away from the Main river as the other two wine regions in the Franconia wine region, making it unique among Franconia.

History of the Steigerwald wine region

The winemaking in the Steigerwald wine region dates back to Roman times with evidence that dates 1,000 years back. There is a document dated 777BC mentioning the transfer of the wine estate by Charlemagne to Fulda Abbey. During the middle ages, viticulture, winemaking, and wine trade in the region were at their peak that decreased with time.

The terroir and geography of the Steigerwald wine region

The Steigerwald wine region, which has vineyards at over 400 meters above sea level, is the highest point in the entire Franconia wine region. The Steigerwald is not located along the Main river, in contrast to the Mainviereck and Maindreieck. As opposed to other regions, the region's climate is unaffected by the Main river. In Franconia, spring arrives later and winter arrives earlier than anywhere else. The Steigerwald region is separated between the Grosslage Burgberg and the Grosslage Frankenberger Schlossstueck, two significant growth regions. Gypsum from the Keuper formation constitutes the majority of the soil in the Mittelgebirge Steigerwald which is often reflected in their wines. 

Popular grape varieties from the Steigerwald wine region

Mueller-Thurgau is the only varietal that is planted the most in the Steigerwald district, followed by Silvaner and Bacchus, which is a specialty of the entire Franconian Wine Region. Similar to the other two, Bacchus thrives in cooler climates. Wines from the Steigerwald region can have a floral and spicy flavor character, which makes them delicious wines to enjoy in the summer.

Food to pair with Steigerwald wine 

Gambas en Gabardina

Gambas en gabardina is a popular traditional Spanish tapa that first appeared in the late 1950s. Fresh shrimp are first coated in a batter of flour, baking powder, beer, and salt, with a hint of saffron added for color. After that, deep fried in heated olive oil. The meal is straightforward and is frequently served as a tapa or as an appetizer, ideally with alioli sauce. Alioli Sauce is a rich garlic sauce with a mayonnaise-like texture that is popular in Provençal cuisine in France and Catalonia in Spain. This dish pairs well with the Steigerwald wines.

Yakizakana

Yakizakana is a type of grilled fish that originated in Japan. The fish is typically served whole, with gravy on the side. The meal is highly popular throughout the world, with numerous variations. The recipe is adaptable and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The fish can be purchased raw, salted, or marinated in soy sauce or miso at the Japanese deli. The grilled fish is delicious and has crispy skin. Horse mackerel, salmon, cod, and needlefish are the most popular fish used to produce Yakizakana. The grilled fish is served as the main meal, along with rice and miso soup. Because it was created before the Edo period, the dish requires direct heat. This delicate and juicy fish pairs wonderfully with the Steigerwald wines.

Asparagus a la Flamande

Cooked white asparagus is topped with mashed hard-boiled eggs, butter, lemon juice, and parsley in a traditional Belgian meal called Asparagus a la Flamande. Some cooks opt to top it with ham, salmon, or shrimp because the recipes allow for many permutations.

The dish pairs wonderfully with the Steigerwald wines.

Places to visit in the Steigerwald wine region

Kloster Ebrach

Kloster Ebrach is a former Cistercian monastery in Ebrach, Oberfranken, Baravia that is now utilized as a juvenile detention center. The building is one of the oldest houses of the Cistercian order which was built on 1127 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The monastery was initially run by 12 monks from Morimond Abbey. The monastery was one of the wealthiest in Franconia as the monks were active in viticulture, forestry, and animal husbandry. In 1854 the structure was transformed into a prison and a  juvenile detention center. The Abbey of Ebrach is a famous example of early Gothic Cistercian construction boasting a cruciform basilica with three aisles. The transept finishes in four chapels to the east, and another twelve encircle the choir. The exterior is substantially unchanged today, but the inside was significantly altered in the 18th century.

Franken-Therme

Franken-Therme offers four thermal brine pools both indoors and outdoors between 32-36 degrees celsius. The facility also includes a 70 m2 steam area offering an aroma steam bath and salt steam bath. The area also has multiple restaurants, a dermatologist clinic, a wellness area, a high salinity area, and a sauna area. Immerse yourself in the therapeutic scenery of Franken-Thermeand enjoy pleasant relaxation.

Frequently asked questions about Steigerwald