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Johannes Leitz

German winemaker of the year 2011: Johannes Leitz

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. One of the major land acquisitions was the integration of the VDP accredited Erbslöh winery, which brought 6 hectares of land with it. 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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Vineyard grad & Elevation

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History

Geschichte
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Soils

Böden
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Leitz in transit

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Terraces and Vineyards

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»Overview«

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Berg Schlossberg Berg Kaisersteinfels Drachenstein Berg Roseneck Berg Rottland Bischofsberg Rosengarten Klosterlay Kirchenpfad Magdalenenkreuz »top«

News

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17.11.2010

Leitz at ProWein 2012

»http://www.prowein.de/exh_r/prowein2012/d/2277072«

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17.11.2010

Gault Millau
“Winemaker of the Year”

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Johannes Leitz is “Winemaker of the  Year”
Gault Millau Weinguide Deutschland 2011,
Published by Joel B. Payne
»Download PDF [393.3 KB]«

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Johannes Leitz is “Winemaker of the Year”
Bild Mainz, Wiesbaden, Sold on 16.11.2010
»Download PDF [105.2 KB]«

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A Rüdesheimer is the “Winemaker of the Year”
Wiesbadener Kurier, Rheingau, Sold on 17.11.2010
»Download PDF [56.6 KB]«

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16.11.2010

Eat and Drink for a good reason –
Hoffest at Weingut Leitz

Hoffest is an annual event not to be missed. There is always amazing food from the guest chefs, beautifully crafted wines, and friends all around. This always equates into a beautiful day, children are found playing on the grass behind the house and as the evening arrives friends create the hum of conversation. These are some of the many reasons to come and visit us here at Weingut Josef Leitz in Rüdesheim on the first weekend in September.

With best late summer weather, springs a vibrant energy from the free willing helpers over all three days. This energy is quickly visible and attacts the attention of all visitors. Close to the wine stand one often hears the statement: “it is for a good reason”. The wine list includes wines from different German regions, Austria and California which creates a tasting environment that wine enthusiasts always love. Christian, the Berliner Master Chef from the grill and pan, creates a menu specially derived to pair perfectly with the wines. On Sunday treat your taste buds to a luxurious cake buffet with a specially made cup of coffee or cappuccino.

The headline under the motto “Leitz & Friends”, is carried through the contribution from other winery, local bakeries and retailers and the helpfulness of many volunteers that you will meet. With full pride we can boast a consideral contribution of 15.000 €.

The contribution and donation go towards HSK-Children Clinic, the Child Protection agency and the Reha-Children clinic at Katharinenhöhe in the Blackforest and also the children entertaining clown doctors.

The Leitz family would like to thank all the volunteers and donors with full hearts for making this weekend an annual festival.

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06.09.2010

Hoffest 2011

Hoffest in 2011 will be from 2nd to the 4th September.

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06.09.2010

Rüdesheimer Wine Festival 2011

The Rüdesheimer Wine Festival 2011 will be from 19th to the 2nd August.
We would be happy to see you there!

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