Located in the municipality of Neustadt-Gimmeldingen (Mittelhaardt-Deutsche Weinstraße area) in the German wine-growing region of Pfalz, the father and daughter team – Steffen and Sophie – the 7th and 8th generation in a long line of vintners cultivate 22 hectares of vineyards. Although the vineyards all lie within 5km of each other, stretched out along the edge of the Haardt mountainsside, they have their own micro-climates and specific soils. As is the tradition in the Palatine region, Riesling is the dominant variety, comprising nearly ¾ of the vines. The rest of our portfolio is divided between Spätburgunder (pinot noir, 13% of the vines), and Weissburgunder (pinot blanc, 8% of the vines).
The Christmanns view themselves as caretakers of their land, carefully managing it in order to pass it on in even better condition to the next generation. For over 15 years, they have abided by biodynamic viticulture practices, with the belief that the health of the vines establishes the superior quality of the wines.
Instead of synthetic chemicals, the Christmanns use horse manure, horn silica, and compost to enhance the health of the soil. Respecting the land and viewing the vineyards as habitats is paramount in their viticulture philosophy. They are certified organic and biodynamic.
Worth noting is the famous Idig vineyard in Königsbach, which produces wines fit for royalty – literally. The site was once owned by counts and electoral princes, and its wines were served at the royal table. Nevertheless, the site somehow was underappreciated for much of the 20th century, until the Christmann family purchased it in the early 1990’s and put Idig back on the map with award-winning Riesling and Pinot Noir. Nowadays, the Christmanns own 95% of the classified side of the Idig and are the only vintners producing Grosses Gewächs Idig wines (the highest VDP designation).
- Riesling Pfalz
- Riesling Idig Grosses Gewächs