Jochen Dreissigacker farms 45 hectares of certified organic vineyards in the Rheinhessen, over half of which are planted with Riesling. Jochen describes organic winemaking as “the artisan path to purity” and has also implemented biodynamic principles to create optimal conditions for his grapes to thrive. Focussing on improving vineyard practices is, as Jochen explains, “a long-term investment in nature and wines”. This extends further to reducing yields in the vineyard by creating healthier soils that reduce vine vigour. “The path to any truly great wine is to limit the number of grapes that are allowed to ripen,” says Jochen.
As expected from an organic estate, Jochen’s approach in the cellar is as natural as possible, using only indigenous yeast fermentations and minimal intervention. All his wines, except for the Auslese, are fermented fully dry. The optimal position of his vineyards, low yields and Jochen’s determination to pick at optimum ripeness ensure full flavour and eliminate any need for residual sugar to balance unripe flavours.
The ‘Organic’ Riesling is ripe, clean, scented and zesty, offering outstanding value. The ‘Bechtheimer’ Riesling, sourced from a selection of Jochen’s vineyards in the village of Bechtheim, is fuller, richer and more complex, but similarly bone dry with fantastic ageing potential. The ‘Wunderwerk’ Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) is aged for three years in small oak barrels, one-third of which are new. It is scented, supple and lively, offering a wonderfully pure Pinot Noir from this outstanding producer.
The Auslese Riesling offers a soundly aromatic sweet wine with hints of luscious honey made with specially selected, extra-ripe grapes from the vineyards in Bechtheim. A blend of loess and limestone soils creates delicate floral aromas, while sharp acidity complements the fine sweetness of this Riesling, resulting in a harmonious, lively Auslese with a low ABV.
Jochen’s latest project, ‘Vintages’, reinforces his reputation for innovation. Inspired by the meticulous work of the cellar masters in Champagne, Jochen is determined to show that still wines can gain depth and complexity from the skilful art of blending different, but complementary, vintages. The vintages in each wine are fermented separately before blending and ageing in barriques for three years. Blending St. Laurent and Spätburgunder, the ‘Vintages’ red is fragrant and juicy with a silky palate and lengthy finish. The ‘Vintages’ Riesling brings together the elegance and minerality from up to five vintages, resulting in a pure, dry expression.
The grapes for this Auslese come from a selection of Jochen’s top vineyards within the village of Bechtheim. His best sites include Hasensprung, Geyersberg and Rosengarten. These vineyards see plenty of sunshine all year round, resulting in richer wines, full of character. Soil is made up of loess and limestone which contribute to the fine floral aromas of the wine. Jochen's approach in the vineyard is simple: to intervene as little as possible. Low yields and careful selection ensure excellent fruit.
A delayed bud burst spared the majority of vines from frost in April. In contrast to the previous three hot and dry years, the 2021 growing season was much wetter, with some disease pressure. However, the cooler and wet weather also resulted in a later harvest, that started in mid-Spetember. This was a fortunate coincidence, as sunny days in September contributed decisively to the ripening resulting in fruity wines, with moderate alcohol content and fresh acidity.
The Riesling grapes were selectively harvested by hand when fully ripe and whole bunch pressed before undergoing fermentation at 16-18°C with indigenous yeasts, followed by a brief maturation on fine lees. This wine was vinified in 100% stainless-steel to retain the freshness and aromatics of the Riesling grapes.
This is a soundly aromatic sweet wine with hints of luscious honey and delicate floral aromas. On the palate, the zesty acidity complements the fine sweetness of this Riesling, resulting in a harmonious, pure and lively Auslese with only 7% abv.
