von Winning
Weingut von Winning (40 hectares)
Deidesheim / Pfalz / German
The fact that this estate is crafting some of the very best dry wines in Germany is no fluke, rather a result of nearly obsessive winemaker Stephan Attmann’s commitment to both dedicated cultivation of Deidesheim and Forst’s best sites and meticulous work in the cellar. Von Winning maintains some of the oldest parcels in Grosses Gewächs vineyards smattered across Forst, Deidesheim, and Ruppertsberg. Attmann’s every decision is informed by great enthusiasm and experiences at estates in the Cote d’Or and abroad. For example, Attmann’s newer vines are planted at a very high vine density- 9500 vines per hectare, as opposed to the typically under 5000. This creates competition amongst the vines, forcing the roots to grow deep, naturally reducing yields. Attmann has adopted the single cane trellising system, prevalent in Burgundy, and Grosses Gewächs wines ferment in 500mL French barrels. Von Winning practices organic and sustainable viticulture.
Attmann describes his winemaking as “not doing the wrong thing at the wrong time.” The estate’s premium wines are treated with a minimalist approach and with the highest respect in the cellar. Gentle clarification, natural and spontaneous fermentation and the abandonment of fining agents create wines with a distinctive indigenous and very elegant style. Pumping the juice or wine is never necessary in the gravity flow winery, allowing for minimal, and gentle vinification.
- Vineyard Area: 40 hectares
- Annual Production: 23,000 cases
- Top Sites – Deidesheim
- Mäushöhle, Herrgottsacker, Paradiesgarten, Leinhöhle: 1er Crus, löss, loam, red sandstone
- Grainhübel, Langenmorgen and Kieselberg: Grand Crus, Loam and clay over red sandstone and limestone
- Kalkofen: Grand Cru, limestone, marl, loam
- Top Sites – Forst
- Ungeheuer: Grand Cru, löss, loam, sandstone, basalt
- Kirchenstück: Grand Cru sandy loam, red sandstone, basalt
- Jesuitengarten: Grand Cru, sandy clay, lime, and loam over limestone and basalt
- Pechstein: Grand Cru, sandy clay, loss, loam, over limestone, basalt, and sandstone
- Top Sites – Ruppertsberg
- Reiterpfad: 1er Cru, sandy loam, red sandstone, limestone
- Grape Varieties: Riesling, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Weissburgunder, Chardonnay