A 1989 Silvaner Beerenauslese from the Würzburger Stein, made by the Juliusspital in Würzburg. It pairs Franken's signature grape with its most famous vineyard, in a rare sweet style and a handy half bottle.
About This Wine
The Stein is the large, south-facing slope of shell limestone rising above Würzburg and the Main, and the source of the historic Steinwein. The Juliusspital farms a substantial share of it. Beerenauslese sits one step below TBA and is made from overripe, hand-selected berries, many touched by noble rot. 1989 was a warm year with good botrytis in Franken, and Silvaner at this level gives a sweet wine that is less overtly aromatic than Riesling, with more weight and an earthy, mineral backbone. The #83 marks the individual lot.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Honey, dried apricot, candied citrus, beeswax and a stony note.
- Palate: Sweet and rounded, with preserved stone fruit and gentle botrytis depth, kept fresh by lively acidity.
- Finish: Long, with honey, spice and a lingering limestone edge.
Serving & Food
A day upright before opening is wise, and decanting is only needed if a crust has formed. Chill to 8 to 10°C and use white wine glasses. It is ready to drink. Good partners include an aged Gruyère, almond and apricot pastries, or a mild blue cheese.
How to Enjoy
Franken wine fans and drinkers who like mature sweet wine with structure rather than sheer richness.
Product Details
Producer: Juliusspital
Country: Germany
Region: Franken
Vineyard: Würzburger Stein
Vintage: 1989
Grape Variety: Silvaner
Style: Beerenauslese (BA)
Lot: #83
Volume: 375mL
About the Estate
The Juliusspital was founded in 1576 by Prince-Bishop Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn as a charitable hospital for the sick and poor, and wine has helped pay for that work ever since. The foundation still runs a hospital and care homes in Würzburg today. With around 175 to 180 hectares it is one of Germany's largest wine estates and the largest single grower of Silvaner.
The estate holds parcels in the leading Franken sites, from Würzburg to Iphofen and Escherndorf, and is a long-standing VDP member. Its wines age in a 250-metre Baroque cellar of large wooden casks beneath the Juliusspital buildings. The style is classic Franken: firm, stony and built to age.
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