Wirsching Winery Produces First-Class Franconian Wines

BY IRIS ELLMANN

The Wirsching estate is based in Iphofen in the Franken wine region of Germany. Huge oak forests shield the vineyard slopes from the north and east. Together with heat-retaining Gipsum Keuper soil, the perfect microclimate is created to produce wonderfully expressive wines laden with minerality and refreshing acidity. Wirsching produce exceptional Silvaner, the main wine varierty associated with the region. They also produce fantastic Riesling and Scheurebe.

Tamlyn Currin, talented and expressive wine writer for Jancis Robinson, describes this wine as: "Mango, papaya, lime. Dry, bodacious, full-bodied but well defined. Shapely exuberant fruit. Zap and zest and mouth-watering. Liquorice leaf and long, firm persistence on the finish."

She awarded this wine 16 out of 20 points.

Wirsching

2019 Silvaner QbA dry £15.65 per bottle

Many of Wirchsing’s wines are available in the Franken region's traditional Bocksbeutel – a type of wine bottle with the form of a flattened ellipse with a short neck.

The name of this traditional bottle originates from the word ’book' because, as a hip flask, it fitted into the pouch in which monks and pilgrims carried their prayer book. Since the beginning of the 18th century, the Bocksbeutel has been the trademark of exceptional wines from Franconia.

Wirsching say: “For us, the Bocksbeutel embodies tradition, uniqueness and home. That is why we use it for our local wines and the majority of our single-vineyard wines.” The WineBarn recommend three of Wirsching’s most mouth-watering wines…

WIRSCHING

2021 Iphöfer Kronsberg Scheurebe Alte Reben (Old Vines) Premier Cru dry £28.30 per bottle

Wirsching are considered a regional pioneer of the Scheurebe grape variety. The aroma is reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc; however, it is much fruitier despite being a dry white wine.

This Silvaner has a character that's full of vitality. Its fresh bouquet shows fine fruity notes and, in taste, its youthful lightness is remarkable. This light acidity and minerality is so typical of their wines.

The Wien Spectator awarded this wine with 88 points. The judge said: "A smooth texture with ample spice and mineral notes. The acidity provides great balance, lending just enough vivaciousness."

Wirsching

2020 St. Veit Cuvee dry £15.65 per bottle

This blend from Wirsching's estate wine line is a composition of their typical white grape varieties Silvaner, Scheurebe and Riesling. The juicy, Franconian style comes from the Silvaner, the finesse-rich fruit comes from the Scheurebe and the fruity, fresh style with a fine acidity from the Riesling.

Wirsching are a certified member of FAIR'N GREEN. FAIR'N GREEN is a recognised system for sustainable viticulture in Germany, covering areas of environmental protection and social responsibility.

The WineBarn is a a multi-award-winning wine merchant that specialises in exclusively German wine and have been bringing pure drinking pleasure to the UK for over 23 years. Their elegant wines have been selected to cover a range of styles - from the affordable to the luxury, from dry to sweet and from fresh to full-bodied, ensuring there’s something to suit all tastes and pair with any cuisine.

To find your new favourite German wine, contact The WineBarn for a personal recommendation.

Visit: www.thewinebarn.co.uk

Call: 0044 1962 761 215

Email: wine@thewinebarn.co.uk

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