Silvaner Der Schäfer Retzstadt VDP.ERSTE LAGE QW Franken 0.75L

A Silvaner that shows what Franconian limestone soil and old vines can achieve together: dense, mineral, with a seriousness that is rarely found.

The Rudolf May winery in Retzstadt is one of Franconia's most influential wineries. The Schäfer grape variety grows on south- to southeast-facing, steep slopes with a 30–40% incline on skeletal, wavy limestone soils—soils that release water sparingly and force the vines to develop deep roots. The vines are over five decades old, and the yields are correspondingly low. The winery practices organic viticulture.

In the glass, this Silvaner reveals itself with substance: ripe pear and white peach, beneath which lies a clear herbal spiciness and the chalky mineral note typical of Wellenkalk vineyards. The acidity is precise, the body dense without heaviness, the finish long and saline. Not a wine for a quick gulp—rather, one that unfolds in the glass.

Drinking window 2025–2032, serving temperature 10–12 °C . Classically Franconian with boiled beef with horseradish, with pike-perch on lentils, or with a mature mountain cheese. If you don't need a special occasion: a good bread with butter is also sufficient.