Each wine is a unique expression of the vintage. No matter how many times we do this, we never tire of the thrill of watching the distinctive character and identity emerge from each bottle.
The art of making grand wines presumes a mastery in vineyard and cellar, respect for nature and, above all else, an intuitive understanding of each vintage's potential, as shaped by its terroir and weather. We have set ourselves a non-negotiable goal: the finest quality wines with tremendous cellaring potential.
Our grapes grow in the outstanding classified vineyards of the Rheingau, itself one of the world's most famous white wine regions. Meticulous and sustainable work, cutting-edge cellar technology, a deep understanding of winegrowing and a highly dedicated team all go into the production of world-class wines worthy of the terroir they are born in.
Vineyard
The quality of the fruit coming in from the vineyard shapes the vintage; we know it's not possible to improve it, only to preserve it. Read more
Living soils, intact ecosystem
Only soil teeming with life can truly communicate its distinctive terroir. Read more
Vinification
We produce our wines using cutting-edge cellar technology combined with traditional craftsmanship and old-fashioned artistry.
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We classify our wines in accordance with the four-level VDP classification pyramid. The hierarchy is oriented toward the quality of the vineyard site.
The key to the uniqueness of VDP wines is their origin. The soil, light and shade, wind, heat and coolness all contribute to making the wines exceptional and give them personality and character. The VDP classification is based on a clear philosophy: the narrower the origin, the higher the quality.
VDP.Grosse Lage®
Only the very best vineyards are awarded the VDP.GROSSE LAGE® designation, akin to a Grand Cru. These are the source for Germany's finest wines. The wines (VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS) stand for maximum quality, complexity, expressiveness, unique character and enormous ripening potential. In the Rheingau, only Riesling and Spätburgunder are permitted for cultivation at this quality level. The named sites strictly follow the boundary lines of the individual parcels. Harvest is performed exclusively by hand, with significantly reduced yields.
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VDP.Erste Lage®
VDP ERSTE LAGE® designates a first-class vineyard site with a distinct profile that has demonstrated the sustained ability to produce wines of extraordinary quality, year after year. Yields are reduced compared with Gutswein and Ortswein. In the Rheingau, only Riesling and Spätburgunder may be cultivated on VDP.ERSTE LAGE® sites. The wines stand out for their power, complexity and strong aging potential.
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VDP.Ortsweine
VDP.ORTSWEINE are comparable to a 'village' wine, sourced from traditional vineyards from that village and offering a clear reflection of its outstanding terroir. For this quality classification we use solely varieties traditional to the region, in this case Riesling and Spätburgunder. Ortswein are typical representatives of their places of origin and offer fine insights into the characteristics of the local vineyards.
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VDP.Gutsweine
VDP.GUTSWEINE are comparable to 'regional wine' in Burgundy, and in our case come exclusively from our own vineyards, even if they bear neither village nor site name. They are classic ambassadors of our estate-level wines, expanded to include a few more exotic choices. The Gutswein classification accommodates significant innovation in its composition, including blends and grape varieties not typically found in the region.
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The Rheingau is one of the world's most renowned white wine regions. Eighty percent of the area's 3,000 hectares under vine are cultivated with Riesling, a density matched nowhere else in the world. Perhaps fitting, given that Riesling has grown here since at least 1435.
It should be noted that over 12 percent of the Rheingau’s vineyard space is planted with the noblest red wine variety, a prima donna known as Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir). That grape has an even longer history in the Rheingau, with official documents mentioning it as early as 1107.
Alongside the traditional varieties, we also include several 'exotics' in our portfolio. Back in the 90s we planted rows of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and remain thrilled with that decision.
A few years ago we also added Grüner Veltliner, Alvarinho and Merlot to our plantings. We did so not because it was trendy, but rather because we were captivated with the specific story behind each and every one of these varieties.
