Mittelrhein
Wine Estates
Mittelrhein
History & Legacy
- A historic Bacharach estate known for reviving old terraces and preserving traditional Mittelrhein viticulture. Ratzenberger is widely considered the region’s flagship producer.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Strong focus on dry and off‑dry Riesling.
- Long lees aging for depth and texture.
- Traditional methods for Sekt, which are among Germany’s most respected.
- Emphasis on expressing slate‑driven minerality.
Key Vineyards
- Bacharacher Posten
- Bacharacher Wolfshöhle
- Steeger St. Jost
These steep slate sites are among the Mittelrhein’s most dramatic.
Style Signature
- Tense, mineral, slate‑driven Rieslings.
- Highly regarded sparkling wines with precision and finesse.
- Long‑lived Spätlese and Auslese.
History & Legacy
- The Jost family has operated the estate in Bacharach for over 180 years. Peter Jost led the winery for more than 40 years and brought it into the VDP in the mid‑1980s. Today, the estate is run by Cecilia Jost, the 7th generation.
- The winery farms 15 hectares on both sides of the Rhine — in the Mittelrhein around Bacharach and in the Rheingau near Walluf.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Deep commitment to Riesling and Spätburgunder.
- Expression of slate soils, steep terraces, and the unique microclimate of the Mittelrhein.
- Precision, elegance, and longevity are central goals.
- Traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibility.
Key Vineyards
- Bacharacher Hahn — pure blue slate, producing intensely mineral Rieslings and elegant Kabinett/Spätlese wines.
Style Signature
- Highly aromatic, mineral Rieslings with slate tension.
- Structured, elegant Spätburgunder.
- Wines that age beautifully and show classic Mittelrhein finesse.
History & Legacy
- Weingut Weingart is a centuries‑old family winery whose roots lie in the steep slopes of the Bopparder Hamm. The family has cultivated vineyards in the region for generations, and the estate was transformed from a mixed farm into a pure wine estate in the 1960s.
- Since 1996, the winery has been run by Florian Weingart, who has elevated it into one of the leading Mittelrhein producers according to Eichelmann and Falstaff.
Winemaking Philosophy
- Deep commitment to steep‑slope viticulture on slate and quartzite.
- Focus on Riesling and Pinot Noir, crafted with precision and purity.
- Emphasis on fruit clarity, terroir expression, and careful vineyard work.
- Low yields and meticulous selection to preserve site character.
- Wines are known for balance, finesse, and longevity.
Key Vineyards
- Feuerlay — produces structured, mineral Rieslings with depth
- Ohlenberg — source of top Spätlese trocken wines with slate tension
- Engelstein — elegant, aromatic Rieslings
- Spayer Engelstein — additional holdings on steep slopes near Spay
Style Signature
- Mineral‑driven, slate‑inflected Rieslings with citrus, Earl Grey, and stone‑fruit notes (as described by Falstaff)
- Balanced acidity and subtle phenolic grip
- Elegant, cool‑climate Pinot Noir
- Wines that are expressive, detailed, and often age‑worthy
- A house style defined by precision, clarity, and terroir purity