VDP.ESTATE
STEINTAL

“HAPPINESS IS BALANCE.”

BENEDIKT BALTES SPEAKS ABOUT HIS WINES AND WINE ESTATE IN KLINGENBERG

Steintal

Wilhelmstraße 107
63911 Klingenberg am Main

Phone+49 (0)9372/2438
Fax+49 (0)9372/921059
eMailinfo@weingut-steintal.de
Office Hours
Mi-Fr: 13:00-18:00 Uhr, Sa: 10:00-18:00 Uhr; Jederzeit gerne nach telefonischer Vereinbarung
Owner

Weingut Klingenberg GmbH

Betriebsleiter: Benedikt Baltes
Cellarmaster

Philipp Aufderheide

Member Since

1955

Wine Area

10,10 acres

Grape Variety

80% Spätburgunder, 10% Portugieser, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau

Geology

Buntsandstein-Terrassen

Growing Areas

Franken

Eco Certifications
  • EU-Bio-Zertifizierung

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Benedikt Baltes: The absolute focus on the Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) grape variety and the development of individual styles in the communities of Klingenberg, Grossheubach and Bürgstadt. The steep terraced vineyards surrounding Klingenberg are listed as a protected historical monument and were first mentioned in a document dating 1261. Our wines are fermented spontaneously in barrels from local Spessart oak. We work holistically in the vineyard with respect for the entire lifecycle and permaculture. This also includes our sheep in the vineyard to keep the green cover short.

 

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Benedikt Baltes: Sustainable, holistic work in harmony with nature. In the sense of ‘less is more’ and ‘happiness is balance’.

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

Benedikt Baltes: A firm, elegant, refined and cool style with low alcohol levels.

VDP: What is your favourite grape variety?

Benedikt Baltes: Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir)!

VDP: Which of your wines would you recommend to someone who doesn't yet know your winery – as an introduction, so to speak?

Benedikt Baltes: The Grossheubach Spätburgunder Alte Reben VDP.ORTSWEIN.

 

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?

Benedikt Baltes: Of our VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS® SCHLOSSBERG.

VDP: Why did you become a vintner?

Benedikt Baltes: We have a long family tradition. However, the profession of winegrower fascinates me per se, not least due to my close relationship with nature.

VDP: What are your next goals?

Benedikt Baltes: To increase our Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) vineyard area to 95 percent.

 

“WE WORK HOLISTICALLY IN THE VINEYARD WITH RESPECT FOR THE ENTIRE LIFECYCLE AND PERMACULTURE.”

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Benedikt Baltes: For us, tradition and innovation go hand in hand. The focus is on returning to the authentic original. Through trial and error, we confirm what is traditional and develop something new.

VDP: Why should people visit your winery?

Benedikt Baltes: The Franken Red Wine Trail and the red sandstone terraces are always worth a visit. And of course, the nearby historic district town of Miltenberg.

VDP: If your wine were music, what would it be?

Benedikt Baltes: Indie or alternative rock music.