Weingut Rinke / Rinke Weine

Rinke Weine is situated in Mertesdorf, only 7 km away from old Roman city of Trier. The family-owned vineyards are located in the Langsurer Brüderberg, an old Grand Cru vineyard of 3 hectares close to Luxembourg (Southern Mosel), as well as in the Saar region, a cool climate side valley to the Mosel. Out of all the vines, the main grape variety of the estate is Chardonnay which is unique for the Mosel. In a few years, the estate has got national and international recognition worldwide.

The Rinke winery established its base in 2006 when the owners acquired the land of three hectares near the border of Luxembourg, the Langsurer Brüderberg. The Rinke family recultivated this vineyard with mainly Chardonnay, but also other burgundy varieties like Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Viognier. The vines were planted in random order as a „field blend“. The grapes are harvested and fermented together. By this, they are producing a „field Cuvée“, a method which is unique for the Mosel. In 2015, they also started cultivating vines in the wine-growing region of Saar, which includes Oberemmeler Altenberg, Wiltinger Klosterberg, and Wiltinger Braunfels. Later in 2016, with the introduction of innovative viticulture practices, the owner replanted the vineyards and added new vines to their selection.

With immense respect for Mother Nature and its surroundings, the estate grows a broad range of grapes, Chardonnay being the king of all. In the Saar region, the staff cultivates top-class Riesling (almost all „Old Vines“) and Pinot Noir, along with the very rare Pinot Noir Précoce (Pinot Madeleine). On average, the vines in the the Saar region are 55 years old. All grapes are manually harvested and moved to the cellar for natural fermentation. No encymes or other additives are used (except sulfites). Wine making takes place in a largely unsteered manner, like in former times.

For storing and refining of white and red wines, Alexander Rinke uses old and new wooden barrels. Their sparkling wines are also famous around the world, all boasting the name of “retro wines.” No herbicides are used in the vineyards.

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