Locations
Johannes Leitz
German winemaker of the year 2011: Johannes Leitz
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Johannes Leitz
Curriculum Vitae
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There are recorded documents linking the Leitz family winemaking history all the way back to 1744.
Johannes Leitz was born much later, in 1964 in Rüdesheim. This Grandfather, Josef Leitz re-built the winery after a bombing raid on the area late during the Second World War. His father, Antonius Leitz had briefly taken ownership of the winery before his premature death in 1966. This left his wife, with her flower shop, a household and of course the family winery to run. So, it wasn’t until 1985 when Johannes took over the winery that it once again became a primary focal point of attention.
After taking hold of the family business, he has managed to raise the estate from 2.9 hectares to the 40 hectares that we see today. Over the years, Johannes has gained national and international recognition for his outstanding wines. Internationally, his major markets include Norway, Sweden, the UK and USA.
The growth of the winery has had a positive influence over all the ranges of the wines produced. Specifically the Rüdesheim vineyards of Berg Schlossberg, Berg Rottland and Berg Kaisersteinfels have continued their tradition of being amongst the top dry wines from Germany. All of Johannes’ wines carry his individual signature and show off the varied greatness of the Rüdesheim terroir from which they are born.
With all the growth Johannes has achieved he subsequently produced the new label of Dragonstone and EINS-ZWEI-DRY. These two successfull labels have recently been recognized and won the “IF Communication Design Award 2009”.
These other international successes have been a boon: however, Johannes has stayed true to his roots and homeland. He has been working closely with the Ministry of Environment to restore the traditional terraces above Rüdesheim in the Berg Rottland and Berg Kaisersteinfels vineyards.
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History
Erinnerungen an die Weinlese 1904. Die zweite von rechts im Bild ist Johannes Leitz Großmutter.
Toni Leitz – Der Vater von Johannes Leitz – auf seinem Pferd Robert.
1981—1983 Winemaking appprenticeship
|1983—1986 Master degree in viticulture
|1985 First vintage under Johannes
|1991 Discovery through Stuart Pigott - and the resulting business trip to England
|1996 Stepped into VDP and re-build winery
|1999 Official ownership changed to Johannes Leitz
|2000 First major business trip into the United States of America
|2002 Creation of the label “Dragonstone”
|2007 Creation of the label “EINS-ZWEI-DRY”
|2010 Construction of the new and modern cellar
|2013 Completion of the cellar extension
|Soils
Grey slate
e.g. Berg Rottland
~Slates are debris soils where the landscape is dominated by a grey color of the weathered grey-blue Hunsrueck slates. Dark-brown humus rich topsoil is often covered by slate debris and rubble which protects the soil from desiccation. The spaces between the loose materials are therefore well aerated. It is possible to feel loess as well as clay and mineral-rich fine earth derived from weathered slate. The vines are well supplied with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and iron from the clay fraction. Slate weathers rapidly thus ensuring a continuous supply of nutrients and mirco-nutrients.
Quarz and quartzite
e.g.. Roseneck
~Summits of the Taunus mountain range consists of a hard rock called quartzite. The sandy sediments washed out of long gone mountain ranges were deposited near a coast during the Lover Denovian (about 400 million years ago). These deposits were soon compacted to form sandstone, which was subjected to high pressures when it became buried beneath thick layers of rocks. This resulted in a modification of the crystalline structure of the sandstone turning it into a hard quartzite and finally to Taunus mountains. The Taunus quartzite contains more than 90% quartz (SiO2) and very little impurities. Therefore, the rock has a very low carbonate and iron oxide content. The mineral nutrient content is low. The weathering processes of quartzite and slate results in solid white quartzite blocks. They are particularly wheather resistant and therefore accumulate the soil.
Red slate with quartzite
e.g. Berg Schlossberg and Kaisersteinfels
~Here , the soil contains a combination of red clay slate with mixed-in quartzite. The red slates are soft water sediments. Red coloring is a result of the iron content of these slates that have been oxidized to iron oxide under an arid climate, leaving a very rocky, hard soil. It has less minerals than the rich soils of grey slate but still much more than the quartzite soils. The remaining thin layer of soil is very stony and can only store a limited amount of water. In addition to this, the dense, clay subsoil is very difficult for roots to penetrate, creating demanding conditions for grapevines. The soil is quick to warm because of the low water content and high solar radiation levels along the slope. As a result, the vine experiences water stress early in the year and must somehow cope with the available water. The plants react by reducing the number and size of the grapes. Therefore, these sites produce low yields of very aromatic grapes.
Loess quartzite oder Terrace sediments
e.g. Bischofsberg, Klosterlay, Klosterberg, Magdalenenkreuz
~Ice age dust is found in most of yineyard soils. Storm winds moved these fine dust particles from ancient gravel beds deposited by wide rivers. The dust dropped out of the wine in shielded locations accumulating to thick loess beds. The fragile substrate makes it easy for roots to penetrate deep into the soil and reach water and nutrients. The most important property of the loess is its high available soil water capacity. The silty soil is easy to manage but is also readily washed away. The sandy loess is partially mixed with gravel sediments of the former terrace banks of the Rhine, with quartzite or slate or coarse coastal sediments from the Tertiary.
Leitz in Transit
Terraces and Vineyards
Magdalenenkreuz
The vineyard site is named after the shrine showing Maria Magdalena and is located at the eastern side of Rüdesheim. The sandy loess soil produces dominant, sustainable and fruity wines.
Rüdesheimer Kirchenpfad
The area is named after the path leading to the church in Eibingen. The vineyards are at the east of the church, facing the south. The sandy loess-loam soil give the wine a long lasting acidity.
Klosterlay
This vineyard is located near the Abbey St. Hildegard, which was founded in 1100. The loess-loam soil produces wines with a fruity and spicy acidity and of great elegance.
Rosengarten
This vineyard is named after a beautiful garden at the Brömserburg. The limy loess soil produces wines which are in perfect balance between fruit and minerality.
Bischofsberg
The area is named after the archbishops of Mainz and located directly above the historic centre of Rüdesheim. The loess-loam soil has a high available water capacity, producing wines with a distinctive acidity.
Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland
The name relates to the German words “reuten, rotten” which means cultivation for viticulture. The site is located near the historic centre of Rüdesheim. Due to the nearby Rhine river and the profound loess-loam soil, the wines grow to great maturity, combined with a fruity acidity.
Rüdesheimer Berg Roseneck
The name Roseneck is related to the “rose hedges” which are growing on the rocks above Rüdesheim. The vineyard then adjoins to the Berg Rottland vineyards. The slate-quartzite soil gives a strong mineral structure to the wine
Dragonstone
The name goes back to the rock with this mythological name and also possibly to the form of a dragon. The soil consists of loess-loam sand stone and quartzite and in some parts also of chalk. The wines are amazingly elegant with a delicately spicy note.
Rüdesheimer Berg Kaisersteinfels
The name refers to the soil, which is affected by stone and rocks. The relation to “Kaiser” goes back to the Emperor Charlemagne, who cultivated the variety Orleans there. The basic rock for the soil is quatzite with parts of slate. The wines contain an impressive minerality, combined with a delicate fruit aroma and little acidity.
Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg
The name derives from the Ehrenfels castle, which was built by the archbishops of Mainz in 1211 as a protection and customs castle. The “bone-containing” quartzite and slate soils lend the wines a rich and suble, harmonious Riesling acidity.
Rüdesheim and the terraces of Leitz
All vineyards face 100% south. The steep sloped vineyards have very good drainage and are perfectly adapted for complexly structured, mineral driven wines. The more vigorous vineyards are those with high loess and loam. These vineyards bring forth the juicy, fruit backed Riesling, like Rheingau Riesling, Kirchenpfad Kabinett and Magdalenenkreuz Spätlese.
News
19. - 21. March 2017
ProWein 2017
You will find us in hall 14 at booth F 40!
22 - 24 May 2017
TopWine China 2017
China National Convention Center, Beijing
17. bis 21. August 2017
RÜDESHEIMER WEINFEST
Lassen Sie sich verzaubern von der einzigartigen Atmosphäre in der Rüdesheimer Altstadt. Gutgelaunte Winzer schenken ein. Probieren Sie jungen Riesling, samtige Spätburgunder und spannende Raritäten in lauschigen Sommernächten zu Live-Musik und gastronomischen Highlights aus der Region. Schmecken Sie unsere berühmten Rieslinge und lassen Sie sich die verschiedenen Lagen erklären. Dazu verwöhnen Sie Rüdesheimer Gastronomen mit Leichtem und Herzhaftem der Region. Feiern Sie von mittags bis in den späten Abend. Lauschige Sommernächte laden Sie ein unter der Linde zu feiern, zu tanzen und zu "schwätzen". Bestes von Blasmusik bis Rock, gibt den richtigen Rhythmus für jung und alt. Wir Winzer feiern mit unseren Gästen vom 17. bis 21. August das Rüdesheimer Weinfest 2017. Auf Ihren Besuch freuen wir uns.
Awards
2015
2014
2011
2010
2009
2000 - 2008
The Wines
EINS-ZWEI-DRY
Rheingau Riesling ~ dry
EINS-ZWEI-DRY is the Riesling that provides an entry into the Leitz world of wine. This wine is a cross-section of various Rheingau loess and clay soils with an appealing dry character. The bouquet is characterized by a clear apple fragrance, a hint of kumquat and apricot together with a touch of lime blossom. On the palate the mature fruity acidity emerges, which lends the wine a powerful boldness, allowing it to culminate in a smooth, succulent finale. “EINS-ZWEI-DRY” is a Riesling for celebrating and having a good time. It goes well with Waldorf salad, pepper braised in olive oil with anchovies, grilled prawns, and quiche Lorraine.
Rüdesheimer
Riesling ~ dry
This wine is a blend of discernible, clear Riesling fruit with a mature peach aroma and hints of pear, hay and marigold. Grapefruit, lemon, pineapple and iodine, not to mention discreet traces of slate round out the fragrance. Smooth on the palate, this wine boasts a poised fruit acidity with an inherent creamy effect. Extremely fine, salty components add a distinctive third dimension to the taste experience. The Rüdesheimer Riesling is an ideal accompaniment to meals that majestically comes into its own just as much with a dish such as vitello tonnato, Wiener schnitzel and roast chicken as with roast beef and fried potatoes.
Rüdesheimer Drachenstein
Riesling ~ dry
In the nose you will find elegant ripe hints of white peach and blossoms with a very clean impression of lychee. It is very balanced and includes a crisp and refined mineral style. Due to it´s origin from the slightly increasing slopes of the Drachenstein, with their unique terroir, this Riesling has beside it´s pleasant and reluctant yeasty character, a delightful flavour. As a food recommendation for this wine, we suggest mixed sushi, hotate no sashimi, grilled clams, or pot roast with cranberries.
Magic Mountain
Rüdesheimer Riesling ~ dry
Magic Mountain is cheerful and light, dense and intensive at one and the same time. Its fragrance represents the interplay of a mature lemon aroma and orange peel with green pepper, strong yeasty notes and a hint of a mineral, salty sea breeze. The clearly discernible Riesling fruit is soft and silky on the palate, the fruit acidity has a sense of calm and melds elegantly with the wine’s filigree, enchantingly aromatic extract. It goes well with chicken fricassee with asparagus and capers, roast corn-fed chicken with chanterelle mushrooms, veal medallions with cream of morel, and grilled sea bream with salsa verde or lemon butter.
Rüdesheimer Berg Kaisersteinfels
Riesling ~ dry ~ “Terrassen”
In the nose you will find a delicate and cool minerality combined with nuances of passion fruit, lychee and a very light taste of wood. Some subtle fruit hints of ripe apples, mirabelle, peaches and wild herbs are typical for this unique piece of BERG KAISERSTEINFELS. On the tongue the minerality of our most mineral driven site performs intensly and is present all over.
Rüdesheimer Berg Roseneck
Riesling ~ dry ~ “Katerloch”
In the nose you will find rich, herbal and stony hints that are so typical for BERG ROTTLAND. It has already a pleasant ripe fruit and shows up a subtle oak. There´s an opulent tropical fruit with dominating nuances of citrus and especially orange zest. The BERG ROTTLAND of this vintage has an intense juicy beginning and we can find appealing hints of a herbal meadow, matched with light quince and it´s graceful grey slate minerality. We recommend to pair this wine with a light coconut curry, or grilled duck breast with an apple-mango-chutney.
Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg
Riesling ~ dry ~ “Ehrenfels”
The BERG SCHLOSSBERG shows up with precise aromatics of slate, ripe exotic fruits and the typical intense flavour of this unique vineyard. The scent of orange zest, papaya, mango and passion fruit is overwhelming and you will find with the first sip a powerful harmony of smell and taste. The minerality of BERG SCHLOSSBERG is vibrant and elegant in the same way. It performs absolutely pleasant with the delicate acidity, which is wonderful embeded. We recommend to pair raw marinated prawns with lemon-oil and ginger-jelly or a medaillon of turbot on glazed truffle with parsley puree.
Rüdesheimer Berg Rottland
Riesling ~ dry ~ “Hinterhaus”
In the nose you will find rich, herbal and stony hints that are so typical for BERG ROTTLAND. It has already a pleasant ripe fruit and shows up a subtle oak. There´s an opulent tropical fruit with dominating nuances of citrus and especially orange zest. The BERG ROTTLAND of this vintage has an intense juicy beginning and we can find appealing hints of a herbal meadow, matched with light quince and it´s graceful grey slate minerality. We recommend to pair this wine with a light coconut curry, or grilled duck breast with an apple-mango-chutney.
Rüdesheimer Kirchenpfad
Riesling ~ Kabinett ~ feinherb
This wine deals with a range of aromas reminiscent of lemon, peach, and exotic fruits. There is also a hint of spun sugar, aniseed, and caramel. On the palate the aromas are accompanied by a delicate fruit acidity, which in a playful, elegant way brings the wine’s well-proportioned residual sweetness to life in an elegant manner. The “Kirchenpfad” magnificently expresses the striking characteristics of the Rüdesheim terroir, it makes a striking mark and deals with its clarity and its modern crisp style. This classic “Kabinett” is versatile and goes well with a cheese board, pumpkin soup, scallops, and mild curries; as well as fine Sushi and slight Asian dishes.
Rüdesheimer Magdalenenkreuz
Riesling ~ Spätlese
The exotic flair of this Riesling is composed from the aroma of lemons and limes, slight mint echoes, as well as a touch of lychee, tarragon, banana, pear and pineapple. Everything is awash with a vigorous residual sweetness and this, combined with a delicate fruity acidity, allows the flavors to melt beautifully slowly on the palate. The Magdalenenkreuz is a refreshing wine, which makes the water run in your mouth. Perfect for Asian cuisine, and to accompany everything that is fruity, sweet and sour, hot and intensively seasoned with chili, star aniseed, coriander, ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil. Magnificent with apple strudel and custard.
Rüdesheimer Berg Roseneck
Riesling ~ Spätlese
A rich nose with elegant ripe hints of exotic fruits, such as passion fruit, mango, lychee and physalis welcomes you in the first moment. There´s a scent of herbs and lime that seems to fall in love with the wild yeast aromatic of this delicious masterpiece. On the palate you will find a very airy middle section which keeps this refreshing and modern styled Spätlese in balance with an enthralling and fascinating acidity. The mineral impact gives us the feeling of licking pebbles and this Spätlese seems to be more dry styled than it is. Due to it´s youth, the BERG ROSENECK Spätlese of this vintage is a the very beginning of it´s long journey. As a food recommendation for this wine, we suggest mixed sushi, hotate no sashimi, grilled clams with Asian vegetables, or strong cheese.
Rheingau
Pinot Noir ~ Rosé ~ Sekt brut
This unique Sekt pressed from 100 % Pinot Noir grapes has a very natural and gentle colour. In it´s scent you´ll find a wonderful bouquet of wood strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, as well as a hint of pear combined with refreshing mint. The acidity of the Pinot Noir grapes is easily restrained and gives this Sekt a very smooth and charming performance on the tongue. A very nice cajoling hint of sweetness is increasing it´s sensation of taste. Collectively it is a very balanced and harmonious wine, that should be at it´s best point by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. Magnificent in combination with seafood, graved salmon with honey-dill-mustard-sauce.
Geisenheimer Rothenberg
Spätburgunder ~ dry ~ Leitz/Becker
This Pinot Noir is produced in cooperation with the redwine-winery Friedrich Becker from Schweigen/Palatinate. The grapes were fermented at the Leitz winery and the wine is placed in wooden barrels; blended and bottled unfiltered at the Becker winery. The Pinot Noir of Johannes Leitz and Friedrich Becker has a scent of red cherries and strawberries with a touch of mint combined with a pleasant and reluctant impact of oak. You will find also black truffle, tea and noble spicery. On the palate there is fresh ripe acidity with smooth tannins. The Rothenberg fits very well with venison with cranberries, turkey with parsley root, Steak frites.
Rheingau
Pinot Noir ~ Rosé
The Leitz Rosé is made from Pinot Noir grapes, which accounts for its delicate color approaching salmon pink. The wine’s fragrance is of wild strawberries, raspberries and blackberries and there is a hint of pear and refreshing reflections on mint. The grapes’ restrained fruit acidity enhances this rosé with a charming, gentle effect on the palate, while a very fine trace of fruit sweetness heightens the drinking pleasure. Overall a perfectly poised, harmonious wine that is best drunk at a temperature of 8 to 10°C. Fantastic with a barbecue, seafood, and gravlax with a honey, dill, and mustard sauce.
Press & Reports
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2000 - 2008
WHERE TO FIND US
Asien
nothing
Germany
Contact
WEINGUT LEITZ KG
Johannes Leitz
Theodor-Heuss-Straße 5
D-65385 Rüdesheim am Rhein
Rheingau | Germany
OFFICE, WINERY AND TASTING
Rüdesheimer Straße 8a
65366 Geisenheim
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TEL +49 (67 22) 99 99 114
FAX +49 (67 22) 99 99 199
EMAIL »johannes.leitz@leitz-wein.de«
Amtsgericht Wiesbaden: HRA 9654
Steuernummer: 3734 1000 35
Umsatzsteuer ID: DE 2799 4862 6
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