Saale-Unstrut is a region in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, in eastern Germany.
Saale-Unstrut is a region in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, in eastern Germany. It is situated in the northeast portion of Saxony-Anhalt and borders Thuringia.
The area was home to the ancient Germanic tribe of the Sicambri.
The area was home to the ancient Germanic tribe of the Sicambri. The tribe gave its name to the Saale and Unstrut rivers, whose confluence is just south of Naumburg. The Sicambri were of Celtic origin and were conquered by the Romans in 12 BC, after which they were incorporated into the Roman Empire as subjects. In AD 250, the region was over-run by Goths and later also suffered from invasions of Huns in 375. During this period, agriculture declined and many inhabitants moved westwards into Franconia.
The region is currently situated in the northeast portion of Saxony-Anhalt, possibly reflecting its proximity to the neighboring state of Thuringia.
The region is currently situated in the northeast portion of Saxony-Anhalt, possibly reflecting its proximity to the neighboring state of Thuringia. Wine has been grown here for 1,000 years and wine production is expected to continue well into the future.
The climate is continental with warm summers and cold winters.
The region’s climate is continental with warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures vary more than in other German wine regions, with large diurnal temperature ranges (the difference between peak daytime temperatures and the lowest nighttime temperatures). Saale-Unstrut is quite progressive in its use of soil warming systems to help combat frost during the cold winter months. Even so, typical weather patterns such as dense fog must be considered when planning a growing season. These weather patterns present several difficulties for viticulture:
The low humidity during summer can lead to drought stress on vines — though this can be mitigated by watering vines at strategic times
Without proper irrigation, rainfall will not suffice for grape maturation; however, too much water, particularly in late summer, can harmfully dilute the sugar levels of grapes
Because of the intensity of sunlight during parts of the day — particularly between noon and two o’clock — grapes must be harvested before they reach maturity to prevent jammy flavors
The most important wine growing area is the Saale valley (Saalesee), where up to 95% of all wine production takes place.
The most important wine growing area is the Saale valley (Saalesee), where up to 95% of all wine production takes place. The slopes are steep and run from north-east to south-west. The grapes best suited to this climate are Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Scheurebe and Riesling. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are also cultivated.
The region’s soil is composed primarily of loess, shell limestone and a mixture of other soils such as clay slate, quartzite and sandstone. The vineyards of the Saale Unstrut are characterised by their extremely steep inclines with an average gradient of 25%. As a result, they are farmed using traditional methods instead of modern technology in order to avoid erosion and landslides.
Due to its cool climate with relatively high rainfall levels, it is most suitable for wines made from white varieties such as Silvaner or Riesling which have been cultivated here since the Middle Ages. However, the region’s unique terroir is also highly suitable for grape varieties that typically require warmer climates such as Traminer or Kerner which produce some excellent wines in this region.[