FOCUS ON... Fürst, Stodden and Dönnhoff

08/11/2023
About a month ago, a buzz-worthy email landed in my (Cat's) inbox from Richard. Fresh off a recent trip to Germany, he was eager to share news of the winery allocations that were on their way to their warehouse. This month, they've arrived and so I’ve decided to introduce you via a special three-in-one focus on the featured producers, so you can get acquainted before these gems reach your hands.

Let's kick things off with a visit to Weingut Rudolf Fürst, a family winery with roots dating back to 1638. Paul Fürst, along with his wife Monika, took the reins in 1979, relocating the winery to the outskirts of the village, where it's cozily nestled within the Centgrafenberg vineyard. Starting with a modest 1.5-hectare vineyard, the Fürsts' meticulous expansion efforts have now blossomed into a sprawling 21-hectare estate, predominantly dedicated to Spätburgunder (German for Pinot Noir).

Paul Fürst's pioneering spirit led him to be among the first German winemakers to engage in collaborative exchanges with Pinot Noir experts in Burgundy, Oregon, and Switzerland. Joining the ranks in 2007, Sebastian Fürst, Paul's son, returned after gaining global experience and later took over the winery in 2018. They emphasize meticulous vineyard care, selective hand harvesting, and eco-friendly practices, resulting in wines that have earned accolades from near and far. Paul was named German Winemaker of the Year in 2003 and like-father-like-son, Sebastian then followed in his footsteps by acheiving the same distinction in 2018.

Now, let's journey to the Ahr Valley, where we find Jean Stodden, an esteemed German wine estate renowned for its outstanding reds, particularly those crafted from Spätburgunder (once again, Pinot Noir, for anyone not paying attention above). The Stodden family, like their counterparts at Fürst, boasts a multigenerational winemaking legacy. The Ahr Valley's unique microclimate, characterized by steep, slate-rich vineyards and the temperate influence of the Ahr River, provides the perfect setting for cultivating this finicky grape variety.

In the world of Jean Stodden, tradition and artistry converge, with a strong focus on minimal intervention. They proudly present an array of red wines, with special emphasis on single-vineyard Spätburgunders that showcase the distinct terroirs. These wines, lauded for their elegance and depth, have earned critical acclaim both at home and abroad. Whether it's their entry-level bottles or the premium single-vineyard offerings, Jean Stodden is a distinguished player in Germany's wine scene.

Our final German selection leads us to Dönnhoff Winery, nestled in the Nahe region, celebrated for its exceptional Rieslings. Just like the Fürst and Stodden families, the Dönnhoffs have a deep-seated winemaking heritage that spans generations. The Nahe region, with its diverse terroirs and microclimates, serves as the perfect stage for nurturing Riesling grapes.

Dönnhoff takes full advantage of this environment, producing a diverse range of Rieslings, from dry to sweet, each one a testament to the region's terroir. Meticulous vineyard management, low yields, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the grapes' natural character define the Dönnhoff approach.

While Fürst and Stodden shine with their Pinot Noirs, Dönnhoff's primary focus is on Riesling. Despite the grape and terroir distinctions, these three wineries share a common dedication to quality, terroir-driven winemaking, and respect for tradition. They all shine on the international stage, with each offering something unique to delight wine enthusiasts. I’ve been very excited to share these German treasures with you since receiving Richard’s email (and he since his trip) and we can't wait to hear your thoughts once you give them a try.

Prost!