Map The Wine

Map / Germany

Franconia

Dry white wines, especially Silvaner, sold in the distinctive flat Bocksbeutel bottle.

SachsenBayernRheinland-PfalzSaarlandSchleswig-HolsteinNiedersachsenNordrhein-WestfalenBaden-WürttembergBrandenburgMecklenburg-VorpommernBremenHamburgHessenThüringenSachsen-AnhaltBerlinAhrBadenHessische BergstraßeMittelrheinMoselNahePalatinateRheingauRheinhessenSaale-UnstrutSaxonyWürttembergFranconiaWürzburgVolkach
The shaded area contains the region, and the rounded shape shows its rough extent; the gold dot marks its centre. Drag to pan, or use the buttons or Ctrl and scroll to zoom. Other regions of Germany are linked on the map.

Where it is

Franconia (Franken) lies in northern Bavaria around the Main river, with Würzburg as its centre. The vineyards are in three areas, Mainviereck, Maindreieck and Steigerwald, with famous sites such as the Würzburger Stein.

Land and climate

The climate is continental, with cold winters and warm dry summers; spring frosts are a risk. The soils include shell limestone (Muschelkalk), Keuper marl and red sandstone.

Grapes and wines

Silvaner is the region's signature, making firm, earthy, dry white wines. Müller-Thurgau is planted most widely, and Riesling, Bacchus and Spätburgunder are also grown. Many wines are sold in the squat, round-bellied Bocksbeutel, which only certain regions may use.