C. von Schubert Castle Winery Maximin Grünhaus

Weingut C. von Schubert'sche Schlosskellerei Maximin Grünhaus: Tradition and top winegrowing on the Moselle

The C. von Schubert'sche Schlosskellerei Maximin Grünhaus winery is one of the most renowned wineries in Germany and enjoys the highest reputation worldwide. The estate, which is owned by the von Schubert family, is located in Mertesdorf on the Moselle and cultivates the historically significant Maximin Grünhaus vineyard. This is divided into three individual vineyards: Abtsberg, Herrenberg and Bruderberg, all of which are known for their mineral-rich, long-lived Rieslings. The combination of unique terroir, traditional expertise and modern precision makes the wines of Maximin Grünhaus sought-after top-quality wines that are appreciated by wine connoisseurs and critics alike.

Historical roots and the von Schubert family

The history of the winery dates back to Roman times, when viticulture was already practised on the slopes of the Moselle. The first documented mention of Maximin Grünhaus dates back to 966 AD, when the Archbishop of Trier donated the estate to the Benedictine monastery of St Maximin. The monks cultivated vines here for centuries until the estate passed into private ownership in the course of secularisation at the beginning of the 19th century.

In 1868, the merchant and wine merchant Carl von Schubert acquired the estate, and it has been in the family ever since. Today, the winery is run by Dr Carl von Schubert, who continues the tradition of his ancestors while pursuing innovative approaches to viticulture. The von Schuberts have managed to combine the historical significance of the estate with modern techniques without neglecting the typical Mosel elegance and terroir character.

The terroir of Maximin Grünhaus: Unique conditions for Riesling

The special thing about Maximin Grünhaus is its exceptional terroir. The vineyards extend over steep slopes with Devonian slate soil, which gives the wines their characteristic minerality and delicate structure. The slate stores heat and releases it again on cool nights, which is particularly beneficial in the cool Moselle locations. In addition, the proximity to the Moselle ensures a balanced microclimate that favours the slow ripening of the grapes - an essential prerequisite for the finesse and complexity of the wines.

The three individual vineyards - Abtsberg, Herrenberg and Bruderberg - differ significantly in terms of their soils and exposures despite their proximity:

• Abtsberg: The south-facing site is the warmest of the three and produces powerful, yet elegant Rieslings with long ripening potential.

• Herrenberg: Blue slate dominates here, producing particularly mineral and long-lasting wines.

• Bruderberg: The youngest of the three sites is somewhat flatter and produces more accessible, fruit-orientated wines.

These differences allow the winery to offer a wide range of Rieslings, each with its own signature style.

Winemaking philosophy: sustainability and manual labour

The von Schubert winery is committed to sustainable viticulture and has not used herbicides for years, instead planting the soil to promote biodiversity. The grapes are harvested exclusively by hand in order to select only the best berries for vinification. Fermentation takes place traditionally in large wooden barrels, favouring spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts in order to preserve the authenticity of the terroir.

A particular hallmark of Maximin Grünhaus wines is their ability to age. While many Mosel Rieslings can be drunk in their youth, the von Schubert's top wines often only develop their full complexity after decades.

The wines: From dry to sweet, from young to mature

The winery's portfolio includes a wide range of Rieslings, including

• Dry Kabinett and Spätlese wines: These wines impress with their clear minerality and precise acidity.

• Off-dry and semi-dry wines: The "Maximin Grünhaus Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett" in particular is known for its balanced sweetness and freshness.

• Auslese, Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese wines: This is where all the expertise of the winery is revealed, with luxurious, concentrated wines of the highest finesse.

• Grosse Gewächse (GG): Since the introduction of the VDP classification, the estate has also produced top dry Rieslings that are among the best of their kind.

Conclusion: A world-class winery

C. von Schubert'sche Schlosskellerei Maximin Grünhaus stands for the perfect symbiosis of tradition and innovation. The wines not only reflect the unique terroir of the Moselle, but also the passion and dedication of the von Schubert family. Whether young or mature, dry or with a fine residual sweetness - the Rieslings from Maximin Grünhaus are among the most fascinating and long-lasting wines in Germany. For wine lovers, a visit to the estate or a tasting of its wines is always an unforgettable experience.

Maximin Grünhaus stands for mineral Riesling essence of the highest perfection. The unique combination of historical heritage and modern precision farming makes these wines globally sought-after rarities.