Weingut Rinke / Rinke Weine

Rinke Weine: A Family-Owned Winery in the Heart of Mosel

Located in Mertesdorf, just 7 km from the historic city of Trier, Rinke Weine is a family-owned winery that specializes in cultivating Chardonnay. Nestled in the Langsurer Brüderberg, a renowned Grand Cru vineyard spanning 3 hectares near the Luxembourg border, Rinke Weine also extends its reach into the cool climate of the Saar region. This unique focus on Chardonnay sets Rinke Weine apart in the Mosel, and their wines have quickly gained both national and international acclaim since the winery's establishment in 2006.

Innovative Co-Fermentation Techniques

Since its inception, Rinke Weine has embraced a distinctive approach to winemaking. The Rinke family replanted their vineyards with a variety of grapes, including Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, and Viognier, in a random order to create a “field blend.” This method allows for co-fermentation, where grapes are harvested and fermented together, resulting in complex and harmonious wines. In 2015, the winery expanded its operations to the Saar region, cultivating prestigious sites like Oberemmeler Altenberg and Wiltinger Klosterberg. By 2016, innovative viticulture practices led to further enhancements in their vineyard management.

Natural Winemaking Practices

Rinke Weine is committed to sustainable practices, growing a diverse range of grapes with a primary focus on Chardonnay. In the Saar region, they also cultivate high-quality Riesling from old vines, along with Pinot Noir and the rare Pinot Noir Précoce, known as Frühburgunder. The average age of the vines in this region is 55 years. All grapes are hand-harvested and undergo natural fermentation in the cellar, with minimal intervention—only a small amount of sulfites is added. Winemaking at Rinke Weine is reminiscent of traditional methods, utilizing both old and new wooden barrels for aging. Their sparkling wines, branded as “Retro Wines,” have gained recognition worldwide, and the winery proudly maintains a herbicide-free approach in their vineyards.