Leitz, Weingut
Summary
Weingut Leitz is a family-owned Rheingau estate in Rüdesheim am Rhein with 40 hectares of predominantly steep, south-facing vineyards where Riesling thrives on diverse quartzite, slate, loess, and loam soils along the Rhine River. Under Johannes Leitz's leadership since 1985, the VDP member combines sustainable viticulture with minimal intervention winemaking, using primarily stainless steel fermentation to create precise, terroir-expressive wines that honor traditional Rheingau character while incorporating thoughtful modern techniques.
Heritage & Leadership
Weingut Leitz traces its origins to 1744 when it was established in Rüdesheim am Rhein, a historic winemaking town in Germany's Rheingau region. The estate remained in family hands through generations until Johannes Leitz assumed control in 1985 at just 21 years of age, following his father's untimely death. Taking over the modest 2.9-hectare family property, Johannes has methodically expanded the estate to approximately 40 hectares through careful acquisitions of prime vineyard sites.
Under Johannes Leitz's direction, the winery has undergone significant transformation. His focused leadership has revitalized the estate's reputation, particularly through his meticulous work in the steep slate vineyards of the Rüdesheimer Berg. In 2011, Johannes was recognized as "Winemaker of the Year" by the German wine guide Gault Millau, acknowledging his contributions to elevating the quality and profile of Rheingau wines. The winery joined the prestigious VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter), Germany's association of top wine estates, further cementing its position in German viticulture.
Vineyards & Wines
Weingut Leitz's vineyards span approximately 40 hectares, predominantly situated on the steep south-facing slopes of the Rüdesheimer Berg, where gradients can reach up to 60%. This dramatic topography creates a distinctive microclimate, with the Rhine River moderating temperatures and the Taunus Mountains providing protection from cold northern winds. The estate's holdings include parcels in several classified sites: Berg Schlossberg, Berg Roseneck, Berg Rottland, and Berg Kaisersteinfels.
These vineyards feature varying soil compositions, with Berg Schlossberg characterized by blue-grey Taunus quartzite and slate, while Berg Roseneck contains more loess and loam mixed with quartzite. Elevations range from 90 to 240 meters above sea level. Riesling dominates the plantings, comprising over 90% of the estate's production, with small amounts of Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and other varieties. The vines average 25 years in age, with some older parcels exceeding 50 years.
The winery produces a structured portfolio of wines, from the entry-level "Eins-Zwei-Dry" Riesling to the single-vineyard GGs (Großes Gewächs) from their top sites. Their production includes dry, off-dry, and sweet styles, showcasing Riesling's versatility and the distinct terroir expressions of each vineyard site.
Philosophy & Practice
Johannes Leitz adheres to a vineyard-focused approach, maintaining that exceptional wines begin with meticulous viticulture. The estate practices sustainable viticulture, implementing cover crops between rows to prevent erosion on the steep slopes and enhance soil biology. Hand harvesting is mandatory due to the extreme vineyard gradients, allowing for careful selection of fruit.
In the cellar, Leitz employs gentle pressing followed by temperature-controlled fermentation primarily in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity and fruit expression. For select wines, particularly from the Berg Schlossberg vineyard, traditional large oak Fuder are used for fermentation and aging. Fermentations typically occur with cultured yeasts selected to enhance site-specific characteristics.
The winery's approach balances tradition with pragmatic innovation. While respecting historical winemaking methods of the Rheingau, Johannes has introduced modern techniques where beneficial, including optical sorting equipment and precise temperature control during fermentation. Extended lees contact is employed for many wines to build texture and complexity. This methodical approach in both vineyard and cellar reflects Leitz's commitment to producing wines that clearly communicate the distinctive character of Rüdesheim's terroir while maintaining precision and drinkability.