Sachsen - Edenwines

Sachsen

Sachsen is Germany 's easternmost and smallest wine-growing region. He vines grow along the Elbe River from Pillnitz downstream along the Elbe . Centres are Radebeul and Meißen. In 1992 the Saxon wine street was opened whichopened the area to tourists and help develop the region. Its recorded viticultural history dates from 1161 and parallels that of other wine regions, where the Church and the aristocracy were the primary medieval property owners and responsible for the development of the vineyards. In addition to viticulture, their legacy includes a wealth of art and architectural gems throughout the region. Most of the vineyards are between Dresden and Diesbar-Seusslitz, the northern end of the Saxon Wine Road . A few vineyards are being restored on the southern outskirts of Dresden and further south, in Pillnitz and Pirna, the gateway to Saxon's Switzerland . Many of the small parcels are planted on steep, labour-intensive stone terraces. The proximity of the Elbe River helps temper the climate, but given this northerly location and growing conditions similar to those of Saale-Unstrut, it is not surprising that the early-ripening Müller-Thurgau predominates. Here, too, the wines are marketed as varietals and nearly always vinified dry. Very similar to the region Saale-Unstrut. In the 16th century approx. 10,000 hectares vine area, today just 350 hectares. A state-owned wine-growing estate was preserved in Radebeul and there is still research carried on.

In 2001 the region of Sachsen which has 449 ha under vine produced 15.072 hectolitres of grape must which gives a yield of 35,2 hectolitres per hectares this was split into 9,2% table wine 51,4 % QbA wine and 39,4 QmP wines.

Geographical location:

In the upper Elbe Valley , along the 51° of latitude. The region extends some 55 km north and south of Dresden . About 100 km to the north are a few patches of vines not far from Wittenberg , where Martin Luther posted his famous theses in 1517.

Major town(s): Dresden , Meissen , Radebeul.

Climate:

Distinctive continental climate which is only moderated in the immediate proximity of the river through balancing water surfaces. Therefore optimal development conditions in late summer, but strong danger of frost in spring and winter.

Geology:

The steepest slopes are of weathered granite and gneiss, with loess or sand deposits in some of the vineyards. There are lime-lacking sands and clays in the fluvial plain. Granite-, porphyry- and syenite weathering rocksare found in the steep locations.

Vineyard area

The region of Saxony is divided into the areas Meißen, Dresden and Elstertal.

449 ha· 2 districts · 4 collective vineyard sites · 17 individual sites