Philipp Wittmann

The Philosophy of Philipp Wittmann

Philipp’s father, Günter, was already a pioneer. As early as 1988, when organic farming was still the exception, the Wittmann Winery received certification. In his search for the perfect balance in the vineyard and in the wine, Philipp then went one step further and switched to biodynamic farming. Certification followed in 2004, and the Wittmann Winery is now a member of respektBIODYN. Philipp Wittmann is no fanatic, but he has noticed that biodynamics gives his vines vitality, resilience, and balance. Healthy grapes are the foundation for the great wines of the Wittmann Winery; father Günter is responsible for this as the field manager, while the cellar is Philipp Wittmann’s domain. For the Riesling, the grapes are pressed slowly and gently and then spontaneously fermented and aged in large, used wooden barrels. For the white Burgundies, the collection of wooden barrels is supplemented by half-barrels and a few barriques.

Vineyards and Wines from the Wittmann Winery

The Wittmann Winery’s immense reputation is based on its “Große Gewächse” (GG) wines, each of which possesses its own distinctive character. The best-known of Philipp Wittmann’s four “Große Gewächse” comes from the Westhofener Morstein. The vineyard extends up to an elevation of 280 meters; the portion classified as a VDP “Große Lage” lies on the mid-slope between 180 and 240 meters in elevation. While pure limestone is found in the deeper soil layers, the topsoil is characterized by clay marl with limestone deposits. The Morstein Großes Gewächs delights with magnificent limestone intensity and a unique blend of elegance and power. The grapes for the La Borne Riesling come from the highest and most barren parcel on the slope, planted with old vines. To the east lies the Brunnenhäuschen, which faces slightly further south. Here, too, the soil is characterized by limestone mixed with a bit of terra rossa, which derives its red color from the iron oxide it contains.  The GG vin Weubgzt Wittmann Brunnenhäuschen captivates with a character similar to that of the Morstein, with a calcareous-mineral impression, complemented by a touch of warmth and richness from the Terra Rossa soils. The Kirchspiel, located even further east, faces east and resembles an amphitheater rising above Westhofen. Here, too, the soil consists of clay marl with limestone inclusions. This is where the most delicate and light-footed wines from the Wittmann Winery come from. A little further east lies the Aulerde, the warmest vineyard site of the Wittmann Winery. The soil here is the heaviest and is characterized by clay marl in the upper layer. The grapes ripen fastest here, and the Großes Gewächs from Aulerde is correspondingly open, charming, ripe, and dense, without lacking its typical elegance and finesse. 

While the vineyard sites and soils in Gundersheim resemble those in Westhofen, Philipp Wittmann is fortunate enough to also cultivate vineyards on the Roter Hang in Nierstein—more specifically, in Orbel and Ölberg. The steep vineyards face directly south, and the soil consists of Rotliegend, a red clay shale. Thanks to its fissured structure, the vines can root deeply. The vineyards are classified as “Große Lagen” (Grand Cru), yet he produces only a local wine here. The warm vineyards, with their red soil that heats up quickly, give the Niersteiner Riesling its distinctive power, warmth, and ripe fruit aromas, paired with the minerality of the clay-slate soil.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Wittmann Winery

What is the Wittmann Winery particularly known for?

The Wittmann Winery is one of Germany’s most renowned Riesling producers. The wines are particularly known for their precision, clear fruit, and pronounced chalky minerality, which is already clearly noticeable in the estate and village wines.

Who is behind the Wittmann Winery?

The winery is run by Philipp Wittmann. He has had a decisive influence on Rheinhessen’s modern, dry, and terroir-driven Riesling style and is consistently carrying on the life’s work of his father, Günter Wittmann.

Does the Wittmann Winery operate organically or biodynamically?

Yes, the Wittmann Winery operates biodynamically. The winery was certified organic as early as 1988, and the transition to biodynamic farming followed in 2004. Today, the winery is a member of respektBIODYN.

Which vineyards are classified as Wittmann’s “Großen Gewächsen”?

Among the Wittmann Winery’s “Großes Gewächse” are the renowned Westhofen vineyards Morstein, Brunnenhäuschen, Kirchspiel, and Aulerde, each of which exhibits its own unique expression of limestone, structure, and climate.

What sets Wittmann’s Morstein Riesling apart?

The Morstein Riesling Großes Gewächs is characterized by tremendous depth, a distinct limestone character, and a unique blend of elegance and power. The vineyard is considered one of the best Riesling sites in Germany.

Does Wittmann also produce wines from the Roter Hang?

Yes, Philipp Wittmann cultivates vineyards on the Roter Hang in Nierstein, including Orbel and Ölberg. These premier sites produce a local wine characterized by power, warmth, ripe fruit, and the typical clay-slate minerality.

Is the Wittmann Winery a member of the VDP?

Yes, the Wittmann Winery is a member of the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) and is one of the leading top-tier estates in Rheinhessen.