2020-C Castell-Castell Silvaner Trocken, Franken, Germany (750ml)   

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A Monthly Wine Club Selection
The Castell winery is a very picturesque estate in Northern Bavaria, between Frankfurt and Munich, that has remained family-owned for 26 generations. The origins of the Castell family can be traced back to the year 1057, when Rupert de Castell was the first of the family to be mentioned in the archives. The oldest record of the family’s right to bear the title of count can be found in a royal charter of 1205. Almost 700 years later, Prince Regent Leopold of Bavaria raised the Castell-Castell and Castell-Rüdenhausen lines to the rank of princes, who, even with such titles, remained devoted to agriculture, forestry and viticulture.

The family vineyard holdings located in Franconia’s scenic Steigerwald—or elevated forest—are characterized by a continental climate and heavy gypsum-loam-clay soil, which lends to the minerally profiles of its wines. The Castell harvest records have been kept since the 16th century and document the production of their first two firkins of red wine. Today, however, the majority of Castell’s 70 hectares of vineyards are predominantly planted to white wine grapes, primarily Silvaner—which was planted for the first time in Germany, in Castell in 1659. They also grow some Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Bacchus, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and a small amount of Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir).

Made from 100% estate grown Silvaner, the grapes were harvested by hand. A¡ter pressing, the must was fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks and le¡t on fine lees for 3 months. The result is a very well-balanced wine with great aging potential.

Pale golden hue. Aromas of crushed chalk and citrus. Fresh, fruity and dry on the palate, with flavors of yellow grapefruit, green apple and lemon zest with a touch of fresh tarragon. Bright and refreshing with vibrant acidity and a long, mineral-kissed finish.