Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach: tradition, quality and culture

In the heart of the Rheingau, surrounded by rolling hills and steep vineyards, lies one of Germany's most important wine estates: the Hessian State Wine Estates Kloster Eberbach. This place combines the deep-rooted history of German viticulture with modern quality standards like no other. The former Cistercian monastery, whose imposing walls have watched over the vineyards for almost nine centuries, is not only an architectural masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, but also a living testimony to the winemaking tradition. Wine of the highest quality has been produced here for generations, setting international standards.

The historical roots: from monastery to state winery

The history of Hessische Staatsweingüter is inextricably linked with that of Eberbach Monastery. Founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks, the monastery quickly developed into a spiritual and economic centre. The monks, known for their craftsmanship and agricultural expertise, recognised the potential of the Rheingau soils and mild climate early on. They cleared forests, created terraces and began systematically cultivating vines. As early as the Middle Ages, the wines from Eberbach were considered particularly valuable and were exported as far as Scandinavia, England and Russia.

A decisive turning point came with secularisation at the beginning of the 19th century. The monastery was dissolved and the vineyards fell to the Duchy of Nassau. Later, after the annexation of Nassau by Prussia, the property passed into state hands. Since 1945, the land has belonged to the Hessian State Wine Estates, which has continued the tradition of monastic viticulture to this day - albeit with modern methods and a clear focus on top quality.

Viticulture between tradition and innovation

The work in the vineyards follows a clear quality standard. The grapes are harvested almost exclusively by hand in order to select only the best berries for vinification. The state wineries are committed to sustainable cultivation that protects the soil and promotes biodiversity. The use of chemical pesticides is reduced to a minimum, with natural methods such as greening the rows of vines being used instead.

In the cellar, tradition is upheld, without forgoing modern technologies. Fermentation often still takes place in large wooden barrels, which give the wines structure and complexity. At the same time, precise temperature control and gentle must treatment are used to preserve the flavours of the terroir in the best possible way.

The wines: An expression of time and place

The portfolio of the Staatsweingüter ranges from dry Rieslings of the basic line to great growths and noble sweet selections. Particularly noteworthy are the Grossen Gewächse, i.e. the top dry wines from classified vineyards, which are among the best of their kind in Germany.

One of the hallmarks of Eberbach wines is their ability to mature: while many modern wines are designed for immediate drinking pleasure, the Rieslings from the Steinberg or Marcobrunn benefit from years of bottle ageing and develop fascinating nuances of petrol, ripe fruit and mineral depth.

Alongside Riesling, Pinot Noir is also playing an increasingly important role, and the best cuvées from Assmannshausen show that the Rheingau is not only predestined for white wines, but can also produce elegant, storable red wines.

The legendary Steinberger Trockenbeerenauslese 1921 - a wine of the century from Kloster Eberbach

A wine that made history

The Steinberger Trockenbeerenauslese 1921from the Hessian state wineries Kloster Eberbach is one of the greatest German wines of all time. Created in a vintage of the century, it not only embodies the perfect harmony of climate, soil and craftsmanship, but also symbolises an era in which German Rieslings were considered unsurpassed worldwide.

The 1921 vintage - a climatic miracle

• Ideal conditions: A warm, dry summer with cool nights allowed for slow, concentrated ripening.

• Noblerot (Botrytis cinerea):Autumn fog caused perfect noble rot to form, which cooked down the grapes and created extreme sugar and aroma concentration.

• Minimal yield: Only a few bottles could be produced as most of the berries were too shrivelled.

The site: Steinberg - a terroir of superlatives

• Monopole site of the state wineries, surrounded by a historic stone wall.

• Soil: Calcareous loess-loam with quartzite, which gives the wine mineral complexity.

• Microclimate: The wall retains heat, while cool morning mists preserve the acidity.

Sensory characteristics - A wine for the ages

• Colour: Deep gold with amber reflections, even after more than 100 years.

• Nose: An explosive bouquet of dried apricots, honeycomb, caramel, overripe peaches and a hint of petrol.

• Flavour:Opulent sweetness, carried by lively acidity. Flavours of candied oranges, dates, maple syrup and an unmistakable mineral salt note.

• Finish: Minutes-long finish with almost endless complexity.

Vinification - handcrafted like in the Middle Ages

• Harvest: By hand, berry by berry, in November 1921.

• Must weight: Over 250° Oechsle (extremely high sugar levels).

• Fermentation: Natural spontaneous fermentation in large wooden barrels, which lasted for months.

• Ageing: Matured for decades in the cellars of Kloster Eberbach.

Historical significance & anecdotes

• Wine for kings: The 1921 Steinberger TBA was sold to European aristocratic houses and to the finest wine merchants.

• Survivor of two world wars: Only a few bottles survived the turmoil of the 20th century.

• Auction records: At Christie's and Sotheby's, preserved original bottles realised prices of over €10,000 per bottle.

Tasting notes from the last decades

• 1980s: Still youthful, with intense fruit and almost inexhaustible power.

• 2000s: At its peak - perfect balance between sweetness, acidity and tertiary flavours.

• Today: A living museum piece that has still not reached its end.

Conclusion: An immortal wine

The Steinberger Trockenbeerenauslese 1921is more than just a wine - it is a monument to German wine culture. No other Riesling in the world has survived over a century so intact and powerful. If you are lucky enough to try just one sip, you will experience a moment in which time seems to stand still.

Rarely has a drink captured the essence of a place and a vintage as perfectly as this wine. It remains the undisputed king of German sweet wines - a myth that lives on to this day.