Wittmann
Summary
Weingut Wittmann is a family-owned, 28-hectare estate in Westhofen, Rheinhessen, producing primarily Riesling from four limestone-rich Grand Cru vineyards with vines averaging 35-60 years old. Their traditional winemaking approach features biodynamic viticulture (Demeter-certified since 2004), spontaneous fermentations in large oak casks, and minimal intervention techniques that authentically express their distinctive terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Weingut Wittmann's roots in Rheinhessen viticulture stretch back to 1663, making it one of the region's oldest continuously family-operated estates. Based in the village of Westhofen, the winery has remained in Wittmann family hands for over 350 years, with each generation building upon the viticultural knowledge of their predecessors. The current generation is led by Philipp Wittmann, who took over winemaking responsibilities in 2003 after completing his viticultural studies and gaining experience at estates in the Rheingau, Baden, and abroad. His wife, Eva Clüsserath-Wittmann, herself a respected winemaker from the Mosel region, contributes to the estate's operations while maintaining her family's property. Philipp's parents, Günter and Elisabeth Wittmann, remain involved in the estate's operations, with Günter focusing on vineyard management. Under Philipp's leadership, Wittmann achieved Demeter biodynamic certification in 2004, positioning the estate at the forefront of sustainable viticulture in Rheinhessen. The family's commitment to quality has been recognized through their membership in the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter), Germany's association of top wine estates.
Vineyards & Wines
Weingut Wittmann cultivates 28 hectares of vineyards exclusively in the commune of Westhofen in southern Rheinhessen. Their holdings include significant parcels in four VDP Grosse Lage (Grand Cru) vineyards: Morstein, Brunnenhäuschen, Kirchspiel, and Aulerde. Each site possesses distinct geological characteristics that impart specific qualities to the wines. Morstein, their most acclaimed vineyard, sits at 180-280 meters elevation with heavy clay marl soils over limestone bedrock. Brunnenhäuschen features similar limestone subsoil but with a higher proportion of clay. Kirchspiel, with its eastern exposure, contains more weathered limestone, while Aulerde, their warmest site, contains clay-rich soils with less limestone influence. Riesling comprises 65% of their plantings, with the remainder dedicated to Burgundian varieties including Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. The estate's oldest Riesling vines date to the 1920s, with many parcels averaging 35-60 years. Vine density averages 6,000-8,000 plants per hectare, with all vineyards farmed according to biodynamic principles. The combination of limestone-rich soils, mature vines, and meticulous vineyard work results in wines characterized by pronounced minerality and structural precision.
Philosophy & Practice
Wittmann's viticultural approach centers on biodynamic farming, certified by Demeter since 2004. This comprehensive system eliminates synthetic chemicals while incorporating specialized biodynamic preparations to enhance soil vitality and plant health. In the vineyards, cover crops promote biodiversity and soil structure, while yields are restricted through careful pruning and selective harvesting. All grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous selection before processing. In the cellar, Wittmann employs minimal intervention techniques to preserve vineyard expression. Fermentations occur spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in a combination of traditional large oak casks (Stückfass) and stainless steel tanks, depending on the wine. Their GG (Grosses Gewächs) Rieslings typically ferment and age in 2,400-liter neutral oak barrels, while estate-level wines may see stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, without blocking or inducing. Filtration is kept minimal, with many wines receiving only a light filtration before bottling. Sulfur additions are modest and precisely timed. This methodical approach to both viticulture and winemaking reflects the Wittmann family's commitment to producing wines that authentically express Westhofen's distinctive terroir while maintaining environmental sustainability through certified biodynamic practices.