Wine Estates in Germany Georg Albrecht SCHNEIDER, Nierstein
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Wine Estates in Germany Georg Albrecht SCHNEIDER, Nierstein Region: RHEINHESSEN Vineyards: Nierstein (Hipping, Ölberg, Orbel, Paterberg, Findling) Varietals: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, St. Laurent, Dornfelder Owner: Albrecht and Ulrike Schneider Winemaker: Albrecht Schneider Remarks: a remarkably noteworthy family estate with no allures to fame, but "discovered" by leading wine writers. Albrecht Schneider's maxim has always been absolute devotion to his vineyards and wines, whilst marketing was considered less important. He had to take over the “reigns” at an early age in 1967 after his apprenticeship at the Langwerth von Simmern estate, and even in those early days, he realized that only a healthy soil could allow the cultivation of fine wines, and began with interrow crops, experiencing also the necessary modernization in the vineyards from horse to special light tractor. The estate has been owned by the Schneider family for 7 generations, and today at vintage time, three generations are at work. 15 hectares (37 acres) in Nierstein belong to the estate, over 40% of which are Riesling. Red sandstone soils are predominant in the best sites which yield rich and spicy wines. 1995 marked a step forward for the estate, more spacious underground cellars and warehousing facilities were purchased in Nierstein. The old underground cellars provide ideal conditions for modern production methods. The steep Hipping vineyard, known as the red slope, der roter Hang, is rated as one of the best in Germany, producing Riesling with spicy mineral flavours, exotic and pronounced ripe and appealing fruit, and excellent maturing potential. Sometimes a slow starter, hiding its potential. The slope itself is warmed by the early morning sunshine and the red sandstone soil retains the warmth. The proximity to the Rhine protects the foliage from early Fall cold nights, and allows for a long growing season. Since vintage 1997, temperature-controlled cold fermentation in stainless-steel vats has been introduced. Albrecht's wines now display even more richness and delicious clear, ripe fruit. They are well-structured with individual and attractive characteristics. The higher predicate wines are mouthfuls of exotic fruit experiences. The stelvin closure has been introduced since the 2007 vintage, especially for QbA and Kabinett qualities. Wine: Niersteiner Dornfelder 2011, QbA trocken (dry) Producer: Schneider, Nierstein (Germany) Winemaker: Albrecht Schneider Region: Rheinhessen Vineyard: Niersteiner Paterberg & Findling (not mentioned on label) Varietal: Dornfelder 100% Bottle: flute, cork (750ml) Quality: Qualitätswein, estate-bottled dry red Alcohol: 13.0% vol. Residual sugars: 0.6 g/l Acidity: 5.2 g/l Fermentation: traditional cold mash maceration, matured in old oak for 12 months .