2023 Donnhoff "Estate" Riesling, Nahe, Germany

ABOUT THIS WINE

The idea here is to make a village wine, basically, though it’s sold and marketed as a Gutswein or Estate bottled basic wine. The Estate wine combines the two major soils that dominate the holdings for the estate, giving the drinker a look into what Dönnhoff is all about. The basic wine is a calling card and thus Cornelius wants to make statement.

The geology of the middle Nahe is notably shaped by its eons-old clay slate formations and rich volcanic soils. The concentration of porphyry and melaphyre stone in and around the old Oberhausen vineyards – Kieselberg and Felsenberg, help provide the perfect berry base for Gutsriesling.

Aged in a mixture of stainless steel vats and neutral 1200L German stückfass from Hösch.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The Dönnhoff family has a rich history in the Nahe region, having established a traditional farm in Oberhäusen 250 years ago. Helmut Dönnhoff took over the estate in 1966, shifting focus from mixed farming to quality wine production. Under his leadership, the estate grew from four hectares to 25, maintaining a commitment to excellence and craftsmanship. Helmut's son, Cornelius, joined in 2007, continuing the family philosophy of balance and quality. 

To preserve laser-like focus and clarity in the wines, the grapes are pressed as soon as possible – within 3 hours of picking. Wines are fermented in traditional German casks (1200 L stuck and 2400 L doppelstuck) as well as stainless steel with spontaneous fermentations.

Donnhoff’s cellar is unique in its capacity to hold all of its production entirely in stainless steel or in cask, allowing for the ideal élevage for any wine at any point during a vintage.

Although the Nahe is a dry region, Dönnhoff does not water their vineyards as to encourage deep rooted vines. The soil is covered with organic material like straw and compost to preserve water and to avoid evaporation and erosion in heavy rains.

The vines are all grown on wireframes, low to the ground to benefit from the warmth of the stoney topsoil, and at a density of approx. 6000 vines per hectare. The Riesling vines are old clones sourced from the sites in Niederhausen and Schloßböckelheim.

Grapes are always picked by hand at Dönnhoff over two to three passes through each vineyard.