Weingut Kunstler

In Hochheim am Main, on the eastern edge of the Rheingau where the Main flows into the Rhine, the Künstler Winery (Weingut Künstler) is one of Germany’s most respected producers of white wine. Located on the site of the former Aschrott wine estate, it is a member of the VDP association and produces Riesling and Spätburgunder from grapes grown on some of the region’s finest classified vineyards.

History

The history of the Künstler family’s winemaking dates back to the 12th century, although their original estate was in Untertannowitz, in what is now the Czech Republic. After being displaced as a result of the Second World War, Franz Künstler re-established the estate in Hochheim am Main in 1965. His son Günter, who trained at the wine-growing school in Geisenheim, took over the management in 1992. In 1994, the estate was admitted to the VDP.

In 1996, Günter acquired the former Aschrott wine estate, adding several important vineyards in Hochheim to it. In 2011, Künstler produced his first Grosses Gewächs wine from the Berg Rottland plot in Rüdesheim. Later, vineyards were added in Assmannshausen, a red wine enclave in the Rheingau, as well as the Erbacher Markobrunnen and the single-vineyard Pfaffernberg.

Vineyards, terroir and grape varieties

The vineyards are located in Hochheim, Rüdesheim and Assmannshausen. The soils in Hochheim consist of loess, clay, sand, loam, marl and limestone, whilst the proximity of two rivers creates a slightly more humid microclimate. The best VDP.Grosse Lagen in Hochheim are Domdechaney, Kirchenstück and Hölle.

White wine accounts for around 79% of production, with Riesling leading the way, whilst Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner and Alvarinho are present in smaller quantities. Red wine from Assmannshausen is made from Spätburgunder.

Winemaking and wines

The winery combines environmentally sustainable viticulture with modern winemaking technologies. The range is structured in accordance with the VDP hierarchy, from estate wines to Grosses Gewächs from the finest classified vineyards.

Dry Rieslings from Domdechaney, Kirchenstück, Hölle and Berg Rottland are the flagship white wines. Assmannshausen Spätburgunder rounds off the range with a serious red wine.