Rudolf May, Weingut
Summary
Weingut Rudolf May is a family-owned VDP estate established in the early 2000s in Retzstadt, Franconia, specializing in mineral-driven Silvaner wines from shell limestone soils in the Langenberg and Scharlachberg vineyards. The winery has rapidly ascended to prominence through sustainable viticulture, extended lees aging in both stainless steel and traditional oak casks, and exceptional Grosses Gewächs bottlings that have earned them recognition among Germany's elite producers despite their relative youth.
Heritage & Leadership
Weingut Rudolf May was established in Retzstadt, Franken (Franconia), in the early 2000s, with 2007 marking the approximate beginning of this family venture. The estate represents a relatively recent addition to the Franconian wine landscape, yet has quickly established a distinctive presence in the region. Rudolf May founded and continues to lead this independent, family-owned winery, with his son Benedikt May actively participating in operations, suggesting a commitment to generational continuity.
The May family has achieved a significant milestone by gaining membership in the prestigious VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter), Germany's association of top wine estates. This membership places them among a select group of producers committed to rigorous quality standards and terroir-focused winemaking.
Vineyards & Wines
Weingut Rudolf May's vineyards are situated in the heart of Franconia, primarily around the village of Retzstadt. The estate works with two particularly notable vineyard sites: Retzstadter Langenberg and Thüngersheimer Scharlachberg. These vineyards feature the region's characteristic shell limestone soils (Muschelkalk), which impart a distinctive mineral profile to the wines. The topography includes some steep slope parcels that necessitate manual cultivation techniques.
Silvaner stands as the estate's flagship variety and the focus of their most acclaimed wines. This grape, historically significant in Franconia but often overlooked elsewhere, thrives in the limestone-rich soils of their vineyards. The estate's portfolio also includes other traditional Franconian varieties such as Riesling and Müller-Thurgau, alongside Pinot varieties (Spätburgunder/Pinot Noir and Weissburgunder/Pinot Blanc).
The wines from Weingut Rudolf May are predominantly dry in style, with a pronounced mineral character reflecting their terroir. Their most prestigious offerings from the Langenberg and Scharlachberg vineyards have received the coveted "Grosses Gewächs" (GG) classification within the VDP system, designating them as grand cru level wines. The estate follows the complete VDP classification hierarchy, producing wines at the Gutswein, Ortswein, Erste Lage, and Grosse Lage levels. Some of their premium wines are presented in the traditional Franconian "Bocksbeutel" flask-shaped bottles, honoring regional heritage.
Philosophy & Practice
Weingut Rudolf May embraces sustainable viticulture practices with minimal intervention in the vineyard. Their approach to winegrowing emphasizes respect for the natural characteristics of their sites, particularly the limestone soils that contribute to the distinctive mineral expression in their wines.
The estate's production methods combine traditional and modern techniques. Harvest is conducted by hand, especially for premium wines and on steeper vineyard parcels, ensuring optimal fruit selection. The winemaking process employs both stainless steel tanks and traditional large oak casks (Stückfass) for fermentation, providing flexibility in developing different wine styles while respecting traditional methods. For their premium Silvaner wines, the winery utilizes extended lees aging to develop greater complexity and textural depth.
The May family's dedication to quality is evident in their meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, with particular emphasis on expressing the unique character of Silvaner grown in Franconia's limestone soils. Their membership in the VDP underscores their commitment to producing wines of distinction that authentically represent their terroir.