WEINGUT WALLDORF
GERMANY | RHEINHESSEN
Founded by the Walldorf brothers in 1896 in Saulheim, Rheinhessen. Max Dexheimer is the 5th generation of winemakers who forms his family’s tradition. Respecting his father’s rules, he is - step by step - taking over the winery, producing one of the most precise natural wines we’ve have ever came across.
The vineyards are all worked by hand, so it comes without saying that the grapes are strictly hand harvested. The main factor here is the limestone soil that is reflected in the wines resembling flinty minerality and great tension. This part of Rheinhessen is one of the driest and sunniest parts in Germany, hence the conditions are very favourable to make outstanding wine.
His time at the famous Geisenheim university played a mayor role in his career, just as much as his travels across
New Zealand. “It was the harmony of the vineyard with the surrounding nature that caught my attention. It felt like a perfect symbiosis.” - He says.
Since then, breaking up monoculture and implementing biodynamic practices has been fundamental for him
As you go down the steps to the cellar there is a noticeable clear difference; On the fathers side, mainly stainless steel, on Maxi’s very old large German Stuckfass and high quality burgundy oak.
The wines are all spontaneously fermented with their own yeats. Fermentation can take its way into late spring, but as it is not temperature controlled every vintage is unique. The key ingredient here is time. After bottling the wines mature 3 - 12 months in the bottle. Max’s treasures are Riesling, Sylvaner and Pinot Noir.
