Katharina Wechsler, Riesling Kirchspiel 2018

In the well-known Westhofener location, which opens like an amphitheater towards the Rhine, we own land in areas that we call "Großer Kirchspiel" and "Kleiner Kirchspiel". From the small, terraced plot from which I harvest my Riesling "Schweisströpfchen", you can let your gaze wander endlessly. Aligned to the south and south-east and particularly sheltered from the wind, the 30 percent steep slope heats up quickly and sustainably. The soils consist of clay marl with strong, skeletal limestone deposits.

Katharina is one of many shining lights of a new generation of winemakers that cement Rheinhessen's reputation as a serious wine region for extraordinary quality. Following a Media career she decided in her 30’s to leave Berlin to start training as a winemaker, for which she also spent some significant time with Klaus Peter Keller. Back in 2012 she then took over the family estate in Westhofen and never looked back. Since then she has continuously improved quality and is currently in the process of converting to fully organic while also practicing biodynamics in her vineyards. The estate covers about 17ha with south facing vineyards and an average vine age of 50+ years.