Location and history
Retzbach is a municipal part of Markt Zellingen in the Main-Spessart district in Lower Franconia, Bavaria. The locality lies at the mouth of the Retzbach, also called Retz, into the Main. Retzbach was first mentioned in 815; for 816 a grape harvest and wine production have been recorded. The former independence ended on 1 January 1975 with the merger with Zellingen to form Markt Zellingen.
Viticulture in Retzbach
Through the municipality of Zellingen, Retzbach belongs to the legally defined geographical area of the protected designation of origin Franken. Vineyards have been documented since 1219, with extensive wine production for 1332 and 1426. Between 1965 and 1978, vineyard areas in the sectors Berg, Dietal, Klessberg and Rieder were consolidated.
Benediktusberg
The Benediktusberg lies on steep slopes above the Main valley on exposed Lower Muschelkalk, locally called Wellenkalk. The south to south-west orientation and the documented slope gradient of about 25 to 60 percent shape the site. Silvaner, Spätburgunder and Grauburgunder are grown; the Benediktusberg is classified as VDP.ERSTE LAGE®.
Climate and cultivation
The Franconia wine-growing region has a transitional climate between moderately cool suboceanic and subcontinental conditions. It is characterised by dry, hot summers, an average annual rainfall of under 550 millimetres, as well as risks from winter and late frosts. The steep vineyard plots require intensive care and a high proportion of handwork.
