[Translate to Englisch:] NANA und DR. JOB VON NELL

VDP.WEINGUT
KARL SCHAEFER

“A GOOD ATMOSPHERE WITHIN OUR TEAM IS VERY IMPORTANT TO US; THIS ALSO CREATES GOOD-NATURED WINES.”

NANA VON NELL SPEAKS ABOUT HER WINES AND HER WINE ESTATE IN BAD DÜRKHEIM

Karl Schaefer

Weinstraße Süd 30
67098 Bad Dürkheim

Phone+49 (0)6322/2138
Fax+49 (0)6322/8729
eMailinfo@karl-schaefer.com
Office Hours
Mo-Fr 9.00-12.00, 13.00-18.00; Sa 10.00-16.00
Owner

Dr. Job und Nana von Nell

Cellarmaster

Johann Seibt

Wine Area

17,00 acres

Grape Variety

85% Riesling sowie u.a. Weiss-, Grau- & Spätburgunder

Geology

Buntsandstein, Muschelkalk, Basalt, Löss-Lehm, Terra-Rossa

Growing Areas

Pfalz

Eco Certifications
  • EU-Bio-Zertifizierung

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Nana von Nell: The winery and its very beautiful park were planned by the Karlsruhe architect Friedrich Weinbrenner, who was an urban planner and master builder of classical architecture. It is listed as a historical monument and is located in the centre of Bad Dürkheim. We are the 6th family generation to manage the estate and are a founding member of the VDP. 85 percent of our vineyards are terraced vineyards and we have eight different VDP classified sites. No Flurbereinigung (land consolidation) has taken place here, so you can experience the unique landscape between Haardt and the Rhine Valley in its natural state. Six hectares of this unique wine cultural landscape lie on the ‘Fuchsmantel’ and are classified as VDP.ERSTE LAGE® vineyards. The Fuchsmantel and its flag turret adorn our labels. Our newly renovated 17th-century vaulted cellars are also always worth a visit.

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Nana von Nell: We want to highlight the peculiarities and variations in soils, which range from basalt to loess to Bunter sandstone or shell limestone. This is why we cultivate organically with the aim of maintaining vineyard authenticity and an ecosystem that functions well. We place great importance on healthy soils, a healthy vineyard, a functioning whole. We disrupt the monoculture by preserving our old dry stone walls and terraces, planting a wide variety of green cover and planting the edges of the vineyards. The wines go through prolonged maturation on the gross lees. We work with the ambient temperature of our old vaulted cellars instead of temperature control with cooling, which saves electricity and other resources. Although we are a traditional company, we also want our wines to appeal to young people. We achieve this with a young team that has an average age of 30 years. A good atmosphere within our team is very important to us, because this also helps us produce good-natured wine!

“WE ARE A TRADITIONAL COMPANY, BUT WE ALSO WANT TO APPEAL TO YOUNG PEOPLE WITH OUR WINES.”

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

Nana von Nell: We want to create wine that is true to origin, handcrafted wine that is made honestly. Our wine should exhibit the best of the best sites and its vintage character.

VDP: Do you have favourite grape varieties?

Nana von Nell: Riesling and Pinot Noir.

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

Nana von Nell: VDP.ORTSWEIN Sonnentropfen Dürkheim Riesling dry.

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?
Nana von Nell: Of our 2008 VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS® MICHELSBERG Riesling GG, which despite its age still exhibits great freshness and astounding youthfulness.

VDP: Why did you become a vintner?

Nana von Nell: The winemaking profession is incredibly versatile. You maintain contacts in many countries of the world, you live and work with nature in the vineyard, and you can make your wines in the cellar like an artist!

VDP: What are your next goals?

Nana von Nell: After a longer break due to replanting, we were finally able to bottle another VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS® PECHSTEIN in 2018! We will pay increased attention to the vinification of Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and sparkling wine.

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Nana von Nell: We want to continue our reputation as THE Riesling winery in the Pfalz. We are clearly committed to tradition, but turned towards the future with our young team.

MICHELSBERG
Riesling GG
VDP.GROSSE LAGE®