VDP.ESTATE
KRONE ASSMANNSHAUSEN

VDP: What is so special about your winery?

Richard Grosche: Our vineyards. And the true-rooted vines from the Grand Cru Chambertin in Burgundy, which were planted in our filet piece in the Höllenberg in the 1960s and today provide us with truly sensational grapes.

VDP: What sets your winery apart from others? What do you have that you can't get at any other? Or is very rare?

Richard Grosche: Predominantly old vines that produce very distinctive, long-lived wines on the unique Assmannshäuser phyllite slate.

VDP: What is your winery philosophy?

Richard Grosche: We want to do justice to our outstanding sites.

VDP: For what wine style do you strive?

Richard Grosche: Elegant, terroir-driven Pinot Noirs. We have decided to focus 100 % on Pinot Noir. There are many exciting grape varieties, but no other red variety is as elegant as Pinot Noir. And none can carry its origin more clearly. Yes, we love Pinot!

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

Richard Grosche: Our Assmannshäuser VDP.Ortswein. The grapes come almost exclusively from the Höllenberg, mostly from somewhat younger vineyards, which makes the wine accessible earlier than the VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS®.

VDP: Of which wine are you particularly proud?

Richard Grosche: Clearly our HÖLLENBERG VDP.GROSSES GEWÄCHS®.

VDP: Why did you become a winegrower? When did your calling come? Is there a special experience?

Richard Grosche: I am not a winemaker. Others can do that better. I see my job more as providing food for thought, inspiring and motivating my team to take the extra steps to become even better.

VDP: Do you have or did you have role models or mentors?

Richard Grosche: There are many people who have shaped me. And I keep meeting people who impress and inspire me. I let all that sink in...

VDP: What are your next goals?

Richard Grosche: Working even more closely with nature, even more sustainable. At the same time, even more uncompromising when it comes to quality. We are just beginning to understand what an incredibly large, natural potential we have.

VDP: How do you combine tradition and innovation?

Richard Grosche: Without tradition, we lack a connection to the past. Without innovation, we don't evolve. That's why both are important to me. I think in production we are more influenced by traditional craftsmanship, while in communication, sales and marketing we try to be more innovative.

VDP: Do you hold on to traditions, and if so, which ones?

Richard Grosche: The Höllenberg is perhaps the most important historic site for Pinot Noir in Germany. And nothing else should be planted here....

VDP: Why should people visit your winery?

Richard Grosche: Great wines are created in the vineyard. I love the view over Assmannshausen and onto the Rhine when you stand directly below the sign "Assmannshäuser Höllenberg".

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

Richard Grosche: Let's play some jazz...