Author: Dirk Chan
The Staatlicher Hofkeller winery is located in the city of Würzburg (Maindreieick area) in the German wine-growing region of Franconia. The winery is 1hr 15 min drive SE of Frankfurt. The traditional Staatlicher Hofkeller was founded as early as 1128, making it the oldest winery in Germany and for that matter, one of the world’s oldest wineries, period. It has been owned without interruption by the Free State of Bavaria since the 12th century.
With a vineyard area of 120 hectares , which are spread over a large area in Franconia, and an annual production of around 850,000 bottles, it is the third largest winery in Germany. The extensive and labyrinthine like cellar corridors of the former “Prince-Bishop’s Court Cellar” extend deep inside the Würzburg Residence. The Residenz, built in the baroque style between 1720 and 1744, became a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1981. The treasury is located in the cellar vaults. The oldest wine stored in this wine library is a vintage from 1874.
Our feature this week is the 2018 Staatlicher Hofkeller Wurzburg Silvaner Trocken – $21.49 (regularly $26.99), showcaing the Silvaner grape’s varietal characteristics of delicate fruity aromas, some white flowers, lovely minerality in a dry full-bodied style, finishing with terroir character of earthy tones and good acidity. Very good with rice pudding.
2018 Staatlicher Hofkeller Wurzburg Silvaner Trocken (Franken, Germany) – $21.49 (regularly $26.99)