A Wine Experience Echoing 1969
When a vineyard becomes legend, it’s not just about climate, soil, and history – it’s also about people and the stories they tell. At the end of July, the Franconian VDP estate Hans Wirsching paid tribute to all of these elements. The occasion: 100 years of the vineyard name “Julius-Echter-Berg” – a milestone celebrated with an unforgettable evening in Iphofen.
Andrea Wirsching, the estate’s managing director, invited companions, sommeliers, wine journalists, and lovers of fine wine to the historic courtyard – with one central question in mind: “What makes a vineyard a myth – and why?” The answer was delivered in liquid form: a vertical tasting of legendary vintages from the Silvaner Julius-Echter-Berg Grosses Gewächs, elegantly paired with a multi-course menu by Markus Grein Catering that subtly mirrored the wines’ aromatics.
But the true highlight was a sip of liquid history: a 1969 Silvaner Trockenbeerenauslese from the estate’s treasured cellar, presented by Dr. Heinrich Wirsching (92), who vividly recalled the vintage’s challenges. “1969 was no great year,” he explained. “We had lots of rain, and conditions were tricky. But late autumn was kind – we managed to harvest botrytized grapes. This TBA was a fortunate twist of fate.”
What began as a delicate promise in glass has, over decades, matured into a monument of age-worthy grace. I noted that evening: “Deep golden in color, aromas of exotic fruit, mint, caramel, dried apricot, with hints of toasted nuts. Highly concentrated yet surprisingly elegant, with remarkable depth and length. A silky mosaic of time, terroir, and talent. In a word: Chapeau!”
The Julius-Echter-Berg, Franconia’s hottest and most prestigious vineyard, is more than just a slope of vines. Perched at around 380 meters above sea level, the south-facing hill rises above Iphofen, rooted in gypsum marl and interwoven with reed sandstone veins. Wine has been grown here since medieval times – documented for over 1,200 years.
The vineyard received its current name exactly one century ago. Hans Wirsching, grandfather of today’s director, was head of the local winegrowers’ association and played a key role in the naming process. The namesake: Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn – Prince-Bishop of Würzburg, university founder, builder, and one of the great reformers of Franconian Baroque.
Thus, the former “Iphöfer Berg” became “Julius-Echter-Berg” – and a celebration evening turned into a profound journey into the soul of a vineyard. The myth lives on – in the glasses, in the stories, and in memories of a year called 1969 that still tastes of Silvaner. And even beyond wine, 1969 was a remarkable year – just ask Woodstock or Neil Armstrong.
Voices from the evening
“A truly special event – the tasting, the cuisine, the attentive service, the conversations and the stories shared by Andrea Wirsching, the guests of honor, and the team.”
“What a magnificent wine dinner! Brilliant people, noble wines, and smiles on every face.”
“The 1969 TBA – a wine of stunning grace. Poetry in a glass.”
“A vinous and culinary highlight, enriched by lively table talk, captivating stories, and a mesmerizing 1969 Silvaner TBA.”
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Photo Credit: Winery Hans Wirsching
