Horst Sauer

Weingut Horst Sauer is famous in Franken and around the world for its exceptional dry, minerally wines, crafted by Horst Sauer alongside his daughter, Sandra.  Horst is particularly devoted to his noble sweet wines, like his sublime, creamy Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese.  Sandra Sauer joined the family business in 2004, bringing energy and momentum to the wine making process, as well as expertise in marketing.  In 2006, their winemaking facilities were completely modernized in order to streamline their production.  Today, they continue to produce internationally honored wines that are vastly enjoyable to drink.

Owners: Horst & Magdalena Sauer

Winemakers: Horst & Sandra Sauer (daughter of Horst)

Production Area: 37.3 acres

Vineyards: Escherndorfer Lump, Escherndorfer Fürstenberg

Soil: Shellbearing limestone, Lettenkeuper, loess silt

Grape Varietals: Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Bacchus, Scheurebe, Spätburgunder, Domina, Weißburgunder

Annual Production: 140,000 bottles

*VDP Member (association of German premium wineries) since 2001

*Frank & Frei Member (cooperation of Franconian wineries)

Große Lage-

Escherndorf am Lumpen: These plots are located on the steepest slopes of the Escherndorfer Lump—they are so steep, in fact, that they would be ideal for ski jumping.  The soil is pure and planted with vines over 30 years old.  “Am Lumpen” was first mentioned in 1655 in a description of goods and articles of association.

Erste Lagen-

Escherndorfer Lump: This exceptional site has been characterized by its special microclimate for more than a thousand years. The steep slopes open to the south like a parabolic reflector, collecting every sunbeam all year long and protecting the vines from the wintry northern and eastern winds.  The combination of the slope angle, sun exposure, and surface layer of limestone-rich soil is unique.  This terroir produces wines with a distinctive, concentrated fruitiness that enjoy great longevity.

Escherndorfer Fürstenberg: The Escherndorfer Fürstenberg borders the Lump to the east and west.  The slope is orientated to the east, so the mountain is in the shade in the evening, which produces wines with green aromas and a fine, slender body.

Appellation: Franken

Village: Escherndorf

Soil: Muschelkalk (shell limestone)

VDP Category: Ortswein

Grape Variety: Silvaner

Tasting Notes: Pale yellow reflections in the glass. Refreshing aromas of ripe, green apples and quince. On the palate – enormous juiciness with light, fruity notes and a harmonious but still invigorating body.

Appellation: Franken

Village: Escherndorf

VDP Category: Estate wine

Grape Varietal: 100% Silvaner

Soil: Loess and loam

Harvest: Manually done, and early–for this vintage, the harvest date was on September 15

Vinification: Early harvest and fast yet gentle processing of the grapes is done to maintain the acidity, which is a very important characteristic of this vibrant and fresh wine. Gravity instead of pumping is used, cultivated yeast, 100% stainless steel tanks.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of pear and gooseberry on the nose. Vivid and refreshing on the palate.

Appellation: Franken

Village: Escherndorf

Single Vineyard Site: Escherndorfer Lump

VDP Category: Erste Lage

Grape Varietal: 100% Silvaner

Soil: Muschelkalk (shell limestone)

Harvest: Manually done, and early–date of harvest for this vintage was September 20, 2015

Vinification: The grapes are processed very gently; gravity instead of pumping is used; cultivated yeast; slow, temperature-controlled fermentation; stainless steel tanks

Aging: On the fine lies for 4-5 months

Tasting Notes: Aromas of red apple and ripe pear in the bouquet; salty, stony notes on the palate from the Muschelkalk (shell limestone) soil; well-balanced acidity

Appellation: Franken

Village: Escherndorf

Single Vineyard Site: Escherndorfer am Lumpen

VDP Category: Großes Gewächs

Grape Varietal: 100% Silvaner

Soil: Muschelkalk (Shell limestone)

Harvest: Manually done

Vinification: The grapes are hand-selected in the vineyard to ensure only ripe and healthy grapes are picked; gentle processing: gravity instead of pumping, gentle pressing, fining through sedimentation, spontaneous fermentation

Aging: On the fine lies until the end of July

Tasting Notes: Mineral aromas; very well-balanced acidity-to-alcohol ratio; on the palate, there is strong minerality, complexity, and profundity, as well as ripe notes of apple and pear.

Appellation: Franken

Village: Escherndorf

Single Vineyard Site: Escherndorfer am Lumpen

VDP Category: Großes Gewächs

Grape Variety: 100% Riesling

Soil: Muschelkalk (Shell limestone)

Harvest: Manually done early in the season

Vinification: The grapes are hand-selected in the vineyard to ensure only ripe and healthy grapes are picked; gentle processing: gravity instead of pumping, gentle pressing, fining through sedimentation, spontaneous fermentation

Aging: On the fine lies

Tasting Notes: Mineral aromas; very well-balanced acidity-to-alcohol ratio; on the palate, there is strong minerality, complexity, and profundity, as well as ripe notes of apple and pear.