Each post in our 5 to Try series showcases five examples of stellar wines from varying wine styles, grapes, and Germany’s 13 winegrowing regions.
This month, we’re celebrating the next generation of excellence in centuries old tradition!
From the Mosel to Württemberg, a young generation of viticulture is taking the reins. More and more fresh faces are breaking from tradition to embrace innovation and sustainability in winemaking processes, techniques, and marketing efforts. Organizations like Generation Riesling, as well as other more regional-focused initiatives, provide Germany’s young winemakers with platforms to interact with and learn from other forward-thinking winemakers.
For some wines produced by young German winemakers, check out a few recommendations below!
1. Georg Breuer ‘Terra Montosa’ Riesling Trocken, Rheingau
While the Georg Breuer winery is over 140 years old, this storied Rheingau estate is now helmed by Theresa Breuer, the great-granddaughter of Peter Breuer, who purchased the estate in the early 20th century. Today, Theresa continues to carry out her family’s wine legacy, while looking to the future by having the estate certified sustainable through Fair and Green.
Young Winemaker: Theresa Breuer
Find Near You: Wine-Searcher.com
2. A.J. Adam Spätburgunder Rosé, Mosel
At age 21, while studying viticulture at Germany’s esteemed Geisenheim University, Andreas Adam restarted his family’s estate in the Mosel. In 2013, Adam’s younger sister, Barbara Gudelj, joined him to work at the 5-hectare vineyard, and today they’re one of the most celebrated estates in Germany’s renowned Mosel region.
Young Winemaker: Andreas Adam
Find Near You: Wine-Searcher.com
3. Juwel-Weine Grauburgunder, Rheinhessen
After graduating from Geisenheim at 23, Juliane Eller proposed major changes to the winery her family founded in 1984, including a shift in focus to high-quality wines, especially Riesling, Silvaner, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and, like the wine here, Pinot Gris. Today, Juliane is the principal winemaker while her sister, Katharina, oversees the tasting room and marketing.
Young Winemakers: Juliane and Katharina Eller
Find Near You: Wine-Searcher.com
4. Stefan Müller Niedermenniger Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett Feinherb, Mosel
In 2013, Stefan Müller took over his family’s estate and immediately started to focus on sustainability, completely switching the farming of their estate vineyards. The vineyards are hand-harvested and the vines see no herbicides or pesticides. In the cellar,the wines aren’t chaptalized and are fermented with wild yeast.
Young Winemaker: Stefan Müller
Find Near You: Wine-Searcher.com
5. Karl Haidle Stettener Häder Riesling Erste Lage, Württemberg
Graffiti artist turned winemaker Moritz Haidle currently runs the historic Weingut Haidle in Germany’s Württemberg region, which was founded in 1949. Moritz brings his passion for organic farming and hip-hop culture to the estate, which is especially apparent in the packaging and design of his bottles and in the modern style of wines he produces.
Young Winemaker: Moritz Haidle
Find Karl Haidle Wines Near You: Wine-Searcher.com
Planning on trying any of these 5 wines? Don’t forget to tag and follow @GermanWineUSA!
