Ziereisen
Summary
Ziereisen is a family-run estate in Germany's Baden region, where Hanspeter and Edeltraud cultivate 10 hectares of primarily Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) on limestone-rich slopes near the Swiss border. Their patient winemaking approach features extended aging in neutral oak, minimal intervention, and sustainable viticulture, yielding complex wines that remain surprisingly under-recognized despite their exceptional quality from this unexpected Pinot Noir territory.
Heritage & Leadership
Ziereisen is a family-run winery located in Efringen-Kirchen in Germany's Baden wine region. Hanspeter Ziereisen, who originally worked in his family's construction business, established the wine estate in the 1990s, gradually transforming it from a small sideline operation into a dedicated winery. Today, Hanspeter runs the estate alongside his wife Edeltraud, with the couple personally overseeing all aspects of production from vineyard management to winemaking.
The winery is situated in the Markgräflerland area of Baden, Germany's southernmost wine region, positioned where the Rhine River valley meets the foothills of the Black Forest. This location, near the Swiss border and the city of Basel, places Ziereisen in a unique microclimate that benefits from both Alpine influences and the warming effects of the Rhine valley.
## Vineyards & Wines
Ziereisen's vineyards span approximately 10 hectares across the slopes of Efringen-Kirchen and neighboring villages in the Markgräflerland. The vineyards sit on predominantly limestone-rich soils, with varying proportions of clay and loess depending on the specific site. These calcareous soils, similar to those found in parts of Burgundy, provide excellent conditions for their focus varieties.
While Ziereisen cultivates several grape varieties, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) represents their primary focus, accounting for approximately 70% of their production. Their portfolio also includes Syrah, Gutedel (Chasselas), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), and Chardonnay. The estate produces several single-vineyard Spätburgunders, including bottlings from the Jaspis, Rhini, and Schulen vineyards, each expressing distinct terroir characteristics.
The vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from 300 to 400 meters above sea level, with many parcels featuring south and southwest-facing aspects that maximize sun exposure in this cool climate region. Vine density and training systems are tailored to each site's specific conditions.
## Philosophy & Practice
Ziereisen follows a minimalist approach in both vineyard and cellar. In the vineyards, they practice sustainable viticulture with an emphasis on building soil health and promoting biodiversity. Yields are kept deliberately low through careful canopy management and selective pruning to ensure optimal ripeness and concentration.
In the cellar, Hanspeter employs traditional winemaking techniques with minimal technological intervention. Fermentations occur with native yeasts, and the red wines undergo extended maceration periods to extract structure and depth. One of Ziereisen's distinctive practices is their extended aging regimen—their top Spätburgunder wines often mature in large neutral oak barrels for 24 months or longer before bottling, followed by additional bottle aging before release.
The winery avoids fining and keeps filtration to a minimum. Sulfur additions are modest and primarily made at bottling. This patient approach to winemaking reflects Hanspeter's commitment to producing wines that authentically express their terroir while developing complexity through careful maturation.
Vineyards & Wines
Ziereisen's vineyards span approximately 10 hectares across the slopes of Efringen-Kirchen and neighboring villages in the Markgräflerland. The vineyards sit on predominantly limestone-rich soils, with varying proportions of clay and loess depending on the specific site. These calcareous soils, similar to those found in parts of Burgundy, provide excellent conditions for their focus varieties.
While Ziereisen cultivates several grape varieties, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) represents their primary focus, accounting for approximately 70% of their production. Their portfolio also includes Syrah, Gutedel (Chasselas), Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), and Chardonnay. The estate produces several single-vineyard Spätburgunders, including bottlings from the Jaspis, Rhini, and Schulen vineyards, each expressing distinct terroir characteristics.
The vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from 300 to 400 meters above sea level, with many parcels featuring south and southwest-facing aspects that maximize sun exposure in this cool climate region. Vine density and training systems are tailored to each site's specific conditions.
## Philosophy & Practice
Ziereisen follows a minimalist approach in both vineyard and cellar. In the vineyards, they practice sustainable viticulture with an emphasis on building soil health and promoting biodiversity. Yields are kept deliberately low through careful canopy management and selective pruning to ensure optimal ripeness and concentration.
In the cellar, Hanspeter employs traditional winemaking techniques with minimal technological intervention. Fermentations occur with native yeasts, and the red wines undergo extended maceration periods to extract structure and depth. One of Ziereisen's distinctive practices is their extended aging regimen—their top Spätburgunder wines often mature in large neutral oak barrels for 24 months or longer before bottling, followed by additional bottle aging before release.
The winery avoids fining and keeps filtration to a minimum. Sulfur additions are modest and primarily made at bottling. This patient approach to winemaking reflects Hanspeter's commitment to producing wines that authentically express their terroir while developing complexity through careful maturation.
Philosophy & Practice
Ziereisen follows a minimalist approach in both vineyard and cellar. In the vineyards, they practice sustainable viticulture with an emphasis on building soil health and promoting biodiversity. Yields are kept deliberately low through careful canopy management and selective pruning to ensure optimal ripeness and concentration.
In the cellar, Hanspeter employs traditional winemaking techniques with minimal technological intervention. Fermentations occur with native yeasts, and the red wines undergo extended maceration periods to extract structure and depth. One of Ziereisen's distinctive practices is their extended aging regimen—their top Spätburgunder wines often mature in large neutral oak barrels for 24 months or longer before bottling, followed by additional bottle aging before release.
The winery avoids fining and keeps filtration to a minimum. Sulfur additions are modest and primarily made at bottling. This patient approach to winemaking reflects Hanspeter's commitment to producing wines that authentically express their terroir while developing complexity through careful maturation.