Der Glücksjäger
– Pfalz, Germany
New generation winemaker Andreas Pfaffmann-Wiedemann’s journey closely mirrors the evolving reputation of Pfalz, a region known historically for white wines while red wines are steadily gaining traction. His Cabernet is infamous and has even been awarded the Eichelmann Certificate for best Cabernet in Pfalz in 2019.
The winery is located in Venningen, about 100km from Frankfurt, among cobblestone streets, lush forests, and rich wildlife. Its grounds work as ideal water-storing sites, helping to hydrate the vines even throughout hot summers.
Andreas’ style is eclectic, with wines ranging from the lightheartedly fresh Young Dogs to the creamy, dense Der Riesling and highly complex Cabernet Sauvignon. He and his wife, Cathrin, work closely with the soil and its vegetation, selecting the best hand-picked grapes to produce dry wines from old vines, which have retained their characteristics through loving cultivation.
Each wine is aged in half-piece and barrique barrels to give the wines a more complex, refined taste, with notes of vanilla, spices, and toast, while the balance with the fresh and fruity taste notes is maintained.
A good wine to pair with X-mas dinner is his Der Riesling; elegant, soft, and ripe, with beautiful mineral notes, breathtakingly fresh with an endless length. It’s made from 100% Riesling from 40-year-old vines. The grapes are planted on loess soil and are unfiltered, unfined, and the grape juice is matured in new oak barrels.
Cultivation: 30 ha
Production: 40,000 bottles/year
Varieties: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Weissburgunder, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon
Approach: Biological & Biodynamic
Certifications: N/A
Sulfites: 30-40 mg/l
