“OUR RIESLING ‘FUM ALLERHINNERSCHDE’ WAS THE FIRST BRANDED WINE IN GERMANY TO BE BOTTLED IN 1903.”
WALTER HETZERT SPEAKS ABOUT HIS WINES AND WINE ESTATE IN RÜDESHEIM
VDP: What is so special about your winery?
Walter Hetzert: The winery has existed as a family business since 1510. Our Riesling ‘fum Allerhinnerschde’ was the first branded wine in Germany to be bottled in 1903! For non-Rheingauer, ‘fum Allerhinnerschde’ translates to ‘from the very back’. This means the farthest corner of the wine cellar, where winegrowers once stored or hid their best and rarest wines.
VDP: What is your winery philosophy?
Walter Hetzert: To produce wines that express special origins, particularly from the Rüdesheim mountain slopes Berg Rottland, Berg Roseneck and Berg Schlossberg.
VDP: For what wine style do you strive? Do you have a favourite grape variety?
Walter Hetzert: We strive to highlight the diversity of our mountain slope locations. For us, everything revolves around Riesling, Riesling, Riesling.
VDP: Which of your wines would you recommend to someone who does not yet know your winery – as an introduction, so to speak?
Walter Hetzert: Of course, our wine brand ‘fum Allerhinnerschde’!
VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?
Walter Hetzert: Actually many. Of course, we are happy when a wine is received positively, not only by our customers and friends, but also by the experts.
“WE STILL HARVEST BY HAND IN OUR BEST VINEYARDS.”
VDP: Why did you become a vintner?
Walter Hetzert: Because in this profession you have a lot to do with people; you learn a lot and give a lot. I really appreciate this contact!
VDP: Do you have role models or mentors?
Walter Hetzert: Count Matuschka-Greiffenclau.
VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?
Walter Hetzert: We combine modern knowledge with outstanding terroir. We still harvest our best vineyards by hand.
