Rinke Weine, Winery Focused on Cultivating Chardonnay in the Mosel

Rinke Weine is situated in Mertesdorf, only 7 km away from the 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, which is part of the southern Mosel, as well as in the Saar region, a cool climate sub-region of the Mosel Valley. Out of all the vines, the main grape variety of the estate is Chardonnay which is unique for the Mosel. In just a few years, Rinke Weine has received national and international recognition for their wines.
Rinke Weine Winery was established in 2006, producing field blended wines.

Co-Fermentation Makes the World Go Round

Rinke Winery established its wine production in 2006 when the owners acquired three hectares near the border of Luxembourg, the Langsurer Brüderberg. The Rinke Family replanted the vineyards mainly with Chardonnay, but also other varietals such as 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 creating excellent co-fermented wines. This method that is rare for the Mosel and in 2015, the winery also started cultivating vines in the 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.

Natural Fermentation>

With immense respect for their land and the natural surroundings, the estate grows a broad range of grapes, predominately Chardonnay. In the Saar region, Rinke Weine cultivates quality Riesling almost all “old vines“ and Pinot Noir, along with the more rare Pinot Noir Précoce also known as Frühburgunder. On average, the vines in the Saar region are 55 years old. All grapes are manually harvested and moved to the cellar for natural fermentation. No enzymes or other additives are used except a small amount of sulfites. Winemaking takes place in a largely undisturbed manner, like in former times at Rinke Weine.
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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