2010 was unquestionably a year of extremes. Weather fluctuations during flowering further reduced yields that had already been targeted for low volumes. During fruit set everything ran according to plan.

Dry weather at the beginning of October showed all the signs of an almost normal harvest. Slowly the grapes turned a beautiful shade of gold and the grape skins grew visibly thinner. The water in the individual grapes evaporated and the berries quickly began to dry and shrivel up. In the space of a few days, must levels spiked. We began our harvest in the middle of October, and the choice to start with the selection of these grapes proved a stroke of luck. The grapes had stabilized, not dehydrated, allowing even this latter part of the harvest to be used for our trocken (dry) wines.

In terms of harvest patterns and harvest results, 2010 reminded us of the excellent 2005 vintage: dense, concentrated with a racy acidic backbone to support an extremely long maturation and potential.

With the smallest yield in 30 years and yet the highest average must weights ever seen, this is a year that will be remembered fondly for a long time to come.

Even the lowest must levels clocked in at what would traditionally be classified as Auslese levels.

Thanks to the positive experience with the VDP classification, this system of categorization will continue:

• The Gutsriesling, or estate wines, serve as an excellent example of our everyday wines, while still reflecting the classically Saar terroir

• The Ortsriesling, or village wines, were not produced in 2010 due to a lack of the necessary grapes

• The Erste Lage wines, with a focus on Rausch and Bockstein, form the pyramid's peak.
  • dry style = GG  (Großes Gewächs)
  • feinherb (off-dry) style = diabase
  • fruity/sweet as Prädikatswein

Our winery's traditions are founded on the trifecta of sweet fruits, racy acids, and a steely slate-based backbone, not just for today or tomorrow, but for many years to come. Our wines stand out for their balance of elegance and brilliance, but unlike the fleeting grace and beauty of a butterfly, our wines will live on and develop for future generations as well.