Heymann-Löwenstein / Fam. Löwenstein
White wines from Heymann-Löwenstein / Fam. Löwenstein
from Heymann-Löwenstein / Fam. Löwenstein
Here, 400km to the north, in the Mosel region, we find countryside just as impressive as the Dézaley described earlier. As on the banks of Lake Geneva, meticulously hand-built dry stone walls support the vine terraces that paint a picturesque scene. Here, unlike the clay-limestone glacial moraines of the Rhone, slate of various qualities dominates, the oldest dating back 400 million years to the collision of the two continents of Old Red and Gondwana.
Just like the Chasselas, the Riesling reveals the taste and nuances of the soil on which it grows; this is a medium that transmits its mineral flavours. It's a fantastic thought: this wine that we love has its birthplace in the soil of the 400 million year old Old Red continent and now reveals itself to us, somewhere between magic and fantasy! It would be over-simplistic to attribute the character of this wine only to the soil. In the eyes of winemaker and philosopher Reinhard Löwenstein there is much more to it than that: it reflects the climate, the care used in growing the vines, the confidence to let nature take its course during the winemaking process. "Simple black and white thinking is for the kindergarten; we have to realise that everything is complex and complicated. Just like real life: what is true love, beauty, taste, culture? We have to admit to having only a partial and approximate idea about how to open ourselves to new developments and take in new dimensions and perspectives. But isn't that exciting and thrilling? How dull life would be if everything was clear and fixed!" You could say that the Schieferterrassen Riesling is a good way of first entering Reinhard Löwenstein's fascinating and mysterious world of wine. The wine comes from many plots on different kinds of slate. Thanks to a long growing cycle of up to 160 days (100 days in the hottest zones), the Riesling can demonstrate every facet of its terroir. From the first sip you will sense the 'song of the slate'. We wish you an enjoyable tasting!

Producer

Bodegas Ribas
We could talk about Bodega Ribas on Mallorca, all day long. But it's best to see and read for yourself! We sent wine journalist Britta Wiegelmann and cameraman Felix Groteloh to experience the winery and the family at first hand. Araceli and Javier Servera Ribas, the brother and sister team behind the wines, tell us how the oldest existing winery on the island survived phylloxera, why they love their local grape, the Mantonegro, so much and what the sea has to do with it all.

Erwin Tinhof
For 11 generations now, the Tinhof family has been growing wine in Eisenstadt on the Leitha Range in Burgenland. This constellation is the source of their knowledge and experience as to which grape varieties flourish particularly well in this location, allowing the production of wines characteristic for the area. Neuburger, Pinot Blanc and Blaufränkisch, Sankt Laurent, some on vines established 55 years ago – are the focus of their expertise.

Maria Casanovas
The Bodega or Cava Maria Casanovas is located in the heart of the Penedès, in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, the centre of Cava production. It is owned by the Casanovas family and managed by three children of Maria Casanovas. Jordi and Jacint are responsible for the vineyards and the cellar, Rosa for administration and marketing.