The Nahe region is characterised by diverse soil types and micro-climates. Most of the best sites lie on the steep slopes adjacent to the Nahe river itself. From the slate of Oberhäuser Leistenberg, to the porphyry (quartz rich) soils of Schlossböckelheimer Felsenberg, Dönnhoff makes wines from some of the greatest ‘Grand Cru’ of the region including Oberhäuser Brücke, their own monopole.
Helmut and Cornelius have further developed the estate’s reputation since 1966, producing elegant, racy wines characterised by tension and minerality. Fruit is fermented no more than three hours from picking in large traditional German casks of around 1,200 litres to preserve focus and clarity of the wines. Viticulture is sustainable, and vines (age ranging from 15 to 65 years) are trained low to the ground to benefit from the warmth of the stoney soils. Vineyards are not watered despite the region being relatively dry in order to encourage the vines to dig deep with their roots for moisture. Wines are aged in a combination of classic German oak barrels and stainless steel tank, depending on the cuvée.
Weingut Dönnhoff makes some of the world’s finest Rieslings – defined by their complexity, mineral purity and longevity.
