Heymann Lowenstein
Summary
Heymann-Löwenstein is a family-run estate in Germany's Lower Mosel region, cultivating 15 hectares of precipitous slate-terraced vineyards in Winningen, where they focus exclusively on Riesling from prestigious sites including the geologically distinct Uhlen, Röttgen, and Stolzenberg. Their winemaking philosophy emphasizes terroir expression through spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, extended lees aging in traditional oak fuders, and minimal intervention techniques that honor the historical winemaking traditions of the Mosel while organizing their portfolio along Burgundian-inspired classifications.
Heritage & Leadership
Weingut Heymann-Löwenstein was established in 1980 when Reinhard Löwenstein returned to his family's vineyards in the Lower Mosel (Terrassenmosel) region. After studying viticulture and gaining experience in France, Reinhard took over the management of his family's steep slate vineyards near the village of Winningen. The winery operates as a family enterprise, with Reinhard's wife Sarah Löwenstein playing a significant role in the business development. Their daughter Kathrin Löwenstein joined the winery in 2009 after completing her viticultural studies, gradually assuming more responsibilities in vineyard management and winemaking operations. The winery's headquarters are located in a renovated historical building in Winningen, which houses both their production facilities and tasting room.
Vineyards & Wines
Heymann-Löwenstein manages approximately 15 hectares of vineyards exclusively planted to Riesling in the Lower Mosel's Terrassenmosel area. Their holdings include parcels in several grand cru (Erste Lage) sites: Uhlen, Röttgen, and Stolzenberg. The Uhlen vineyard is further divided into three distinct sections based on geological formations: Uhlen Blaufüsser Lay, Uhlen Laubach, and Uhlen Roth Lay, each with different slate compositions that impart distinctive mineral characteristics to the wines. These terraced vineyards feature gradients of up to 70 degrees, requiring all vineyard work to be performed by hand. The vines grow in weathered blue, red, and gray slate soils at elevations between 80-190 meters above sea level, predominantly with southern exposures that maximize sun exposure in this northern wine region. Many parcels contain old vines, with some exceeding 80 years of age, contributing to the concentration and complexity of the resulting wines.
Philosophy & Practice
Heymann-Löwenstein's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the distinct terroir of each vineyard site. The winery employs spontaneous fermentation using only indigenous yeasts found naturally in their vineyards and cellar. Fermentation and aging take place primarily in traditional large oak fuders (1,000-liter casks) and stainless steel tanks, with extended lees contact to build texture and complexity. The winery follows a non-interventionist approach in the cellar, avoiding fining agents and minimizing filtration. In the vineyards, Heymann-Löwenstein practices sustainable viticulture with reduced chemical inputs, though they do not hold formal organic certification. Their classification system mirrors the Burgundian model, with wines designated according to vineyard hierarchy: estate wines (Schieferterrassen), village wines (Winninger), and single-vineyard wines (Uhlen, Röttgen, Stolzenberg). Harvest is conducted in multiple passes through the vineyards to ensure optimal ripeness, with selective hand-picking allowing for precise fruit selection.