Mainviereck Wine Region

Located in the Lower Franconia wine area, the Mainviereck wine appellation is one of three wine regions. It is Bavaria's warmest region and is located in the western portion of the Franconia district. The region is most recognized for its exquisite Pinot Noir and Frühburgunder grapes, which flourish in unique soil made of red sandstone. Numerous domestic and international prizes have been given to the wines of this region. Wertheim, which is located along the Main River, is the main town in the Mainviereck wine area. 

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Mainviereck!

Where is the Mainviereck wine region?

Northwest of Bavaria in the district of Franconia, the Mainviereck wine region is situated in the westernmost portion of the Franconia wine region. The Main river has been carving out a quadrilateral-shaped pattern for millennia, giving rise to the name Mainviereck. The towns of Gemünden, Wertheim, Miltenberg, and Aschaffenburg make up the four points in the quadrilateral shape of the Mainviereck wine area. The best vineyards are believed to be "Bürgstadter Centgrafenberg" and "Schlossberg" near Klingenberg am Main. Only 330 hectares of vineyards are present, making the area smaller than the other two regions in the district.

History of the Mainviereck wine region

The earliest historical artifacts found in Klingenberg include a Roman cult stone, an early medieval circular rampart, and the Grubinger Kirchhof, which dates to at least the Alamannic periods. The Romans built the Limes Germanicus border defenses, which ran along the Trennfurt side of the Main in Germany during the second century. The Romans began cultivating grapes and making wine for their garrisons around this time. Wine production was first mentioned in the records in 1248, and it continues to be important in Mainviereck today. With little under 60 acres of vines, the region is one of the biggest wine-growing settlements on the Lower Main. Around 1612, a red wine from Mainviereck was first attested in writing.

The terroir and geography of the Mainviereck wine region

The vineyards lie on the lower slopes of the Spessart hills with unique soil largely red sandstones along the curves of the Main river. Here, primary rock soils with quartzite, gneiss, and mica-slate are the most common. Heiligenthal and Reuschberg, two sizable vineyards, are divided in the region. Mainviereck has the hottest climate in the Bavaria state, which helps grapes like Silvaner and Riesling ripen to their maximum potential.

Popular grape varieties from the Mainviereck wine region

Pinot Noir, Frühburgunder, Silvaner, Bacchus, Riesling, and Müller-Thurgau are the most popular varieties. The area is most known for its beautiful Frühburgunder and Pinot Noir grapes, which thrive on special soil built of red sandstone. The wines from this region have won several national and international awards.

Food to pair with Mainviereck wine 

Meat-topped pizzas

Pizza, which originated in Italy, is now enjoyed all over the world in a variety of forms. Pizza is often made from a circular flat wheat-based dough coated with tomato sauce and topped with cheese, meat, olives, herbs, and other ingredients before being cooked at a high temperature.

Mild tannins and moderate acidity complement the cheese and tomato sauce well. The aromas of Pinot Noir and pizza complement each other perfectly. Mainviereck wines are adaptable and pair nicely with a mild to heavy meat lover pizza variant.

Roasted Lamb

Lamb is a versatile meat that may be eaten all year long as a special treat. Many flavors complement to lamb, so try experimenting with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to improve the flavor of your pick.

Mainviereck wines go well with roasted lamb meals like rack of lamb, leg of lamb, or lamb cutlets.

Grilled Portobello mushrooms

Portobello mushroom is the same as white button mushroom, except it is older. When compared to younger white mushrooms, these mushrooms are brown and huge.

Portobello mushrooms are coated with the marinade, oil, and spices on both sides before grilling cap side down until slightly charred. Lemon juice, cheese, or vinaigrette are frequently added to the dish. These portobello mushrooms have meaty flavors that go well with medium to full-bodied wines. Pair up with Mainviereck wines and enjoy a lovely brunch.

Places to visit in the Mainviereck wine region

Stadtschloss

The 16th-century Stadtschloss Klingenberg is a Renaissance-style castle that can be found in the Miltenberg district of the state of Bavaria's ancient historic town of Klingenberg am Main. This magnificent city palace is located in the town's easternmost section, somewhat raised. The palace was constructed in the Renaissance style by Kurmainzische bailiff Johann Leonhard Kottwitz von Aulenbach for residential use. For several generations, the family resided in this mansion before Georg Phillip sold it to the new Kurmainz Chief Magistrate in 1693. Before renting out the property for various uses in 1892, the von Mairhofen family resided in this palace. The Klingenberg palace, together with its domed cellar, is now a privately owned structure that doubles as a resident and a business complex.

Martinskapelle 

One of the earliest churches in the Franconian region is the Martinskapelle, which was allegedly constructed in the first half of the tenth century. The church is located in Miltenberg's Lower Franconian neighborhood of Bürgstadt. Up until 1247, the building was a catholic parish church. The structure and the artwork are both in excellent condition, and it is one of Bavaria's protected monuments. The core of the church was said to be built during the Frankish times. The church was devasted by fire at the end of the 13th century and was repaired at the end of the 14th century. The Gothic west facade, the ridge, and wall paintings are added in the 15th century. Such a well-preserved pictorial rendition of scenes from the Holy Scriptures is quite rare, so when you are around the Mainviereck region visit this amazing place that stood against time. 

Frequently asked questions about Mainviereck