2021 Dnnhoff “Kreuznacher Krtenpfuhl” Riesling Kabinett, Nahe, Germany

ABOUT THIS WINE

The loess loam soil of the Krotenpfuhl vineyard is notable for its high share of gravelly quarzite. Between the stony ground and its southern aspect, this neighbor to the Kahlenberg is known for warm soils and early flowering of the vines year after year. The loess loam substrate retains water well, ensuring the vines have sufficient moisture even in drought years. Vines growing in this type of pebbly soil tend to produce small berries with delicate aromas, a lively acidity and a long hang time. Fermented and matured in large wooden barrels and stainless steel vats.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The Dnnhoff family arrived in the Nahe region over 200 years ago, and their modest farm slowly evolved into a wine estate. Helmut Dnnhoff had been making the wine since 1966, and now his son Cornelius is the 4th generation to run this historic winery and their 25ha of Grand Cru vineyards.

Although the Nahe is a dry region, Dnnhoff does not water their vineyards as to encourage deep rooted vines. The soil is covered with organic material like straw and compost to preserve water and to avoid evaporation and erosion in heavy rains.

The vines are all grown on wireframes, low to the ground to benefit from the warmth of the stoney topsoil, and at a density of approx. 6000 vines per hectare. The Riesling vines are old clones sourced from the sites in Niederhausen and Schlobckelheim.

Grapes are always picked by hand at Dnnhoff over two to three passes through each vineyard.