This northern position and the continental climate mark this growing area.The white vines like Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, White- and Grayburgundy, Traminer and Kerner dominate.
Viniculture in Sachsen reached its highpoint in the 17th century when the monks laid bare area totaling 6.000 ha. Because less suitable sites were also planted with vines, the elector laid down wine laws in 1684 to bring the area down to reasonable size. ausbauten. Peronospora, Oidium, and the phylloxera vastatrix almost caused the destruction of viniculture in Sachsen. The continental climate comes from the extreme northeastern position. Strict winters and late frost in the Spring sometimes lead to dead harvests. But the summers are dry and warm. Most vineyards are on steep, terraced southern inclines. The granite, syenite, and porphyr walls, mark the landscape and work as heat;storage for the vines, that can still grow in spite of the awful conditions. The steep slopes can mostly only be worked on manually.
The main vines of the region are Müller-Thurgau (25%), Riesling (16%), and Weißburgunder (13%). In addition there are Kerner, Traminer, Ruländer, Scheurebe, Elbling, and Bacchus. The red wine part is small at only 7%. The Goldriesling, a blend of Riesling and Courtillier Musqué is a rarity that is unknown in Germany's west. The Schieler is a pink-colored specialty. The Hungarian new breed is the Perle von Zala, which tastes like a mixture of Müller-Thurgau and Morio-Muskat.
many small and hbby-vintners are the region's specialty. The larger companies are among the country's best. At the vintner and wine fairs in the autumns one can see the quality of the wines. The finish of the harvest with the 'last wagon' in Radebeul is a special attraction.
Home 
Wine Country List
