Guldental, Nahe, Germany
OUT-standing
A colour often associated with royalty, nobility, creativity and wisdom also brings a certain Rock Band to mind: the Pioneers of Heavy Metal - Deep Purple.
Whether Hubert and Susanne Gänz were Headbangers themselves, I have no idea, but the colour purple, once almost a cause for divorce, is most definitely the order of the day.
And if there is one Nahe-Wine-label which certainly stands out from the crowd, it is that of Weingut und Sektgut Dr. Gänz.
Wine-Experience & Event Location Dr. Gänz
The Estate Winery in Guldental, run today by the 3rd and 4th generations, is specialised in the production of Sparkling Wine and I suggest you add them to your Winery- Bucket-List. The Gänz Family don`t just make good wine though, they also organise special events. This wasn`t their first and it certainly won`t be their last and I am happy to have had the opportunity of attending.
In Flight
Having kicked off in style with a welcoming Pinot Blanc de Noir Sekt, we took off on Phase one of the afternoon’s event. Over pastures green (and uphill slopes) our stroll led us through the vineyards of Guldental with copious tastings along the way.
Blessed with summer temperatures and lots of sunshine, many of the 75 guests – now split into two manageable flights – had come from far and wide, many on recommendation.
Weingut und Sektgut Dr. Gänz is situated in a small village in the middle of the Nahe-wine-growing Region of Germany, an area well known for its mild climate and geological diversity, also good Burgundy wines. The Gänz Family are Sparkling Wine Pioneers, being the first vintners of the region to produce sparkling wine on their own premises having invested in the necessary equipment some years ago.
The lengthy process of sparkling wine production is done on their Estate and by hand. From the second fermentation in the bottle, as is custom in the Champagne, to riddling, disgorgement (dégorgement) and bottling. Even the labels are applied manually. „This way we are flexible,” Hubert said „and can produce on demand, disgorging only what we need and when. “.
Extending longevity this way also retains the wines freshness. Sekt production capacity is around 900 bottles per day and 99% of their customers are from Germany. In refraining from any form of animal-based filters during clarification, all wines are 100 % vegan.
The diversity of soils, particularly the distinct iron-rich „rotliegend “ easily spotted from afar and a conglomerate of 280 million–year–old reddish sedimentary rock, enables the cultivation of an equally broad spectrum of grape varieties.
In addition to the Estate Winery Portfolio, Konstantin, Hubert’s son, produces his own !ZNÄG Cuvées, to which we were also introduced during our visit.
Greeted by the Boss himself, Hubert opened the occasion with an informative insight into the area, the history of winemaking and of course, the Gänz ‘own personal tale. The colour Purple, introduced for a new range of wines 20 years back, has since become their Trademark and adorns almost everything from Team-wear and table-decoration to kid’s tractor and watering cans.
Purple too were the Pavilions set up on the vineyard summit, pinpointing our vineyard destination and a welcome sight on arrival. Well prepared, Susanne and her Team awaited us with the traditional German „Weck, Worscht un Woi “ (a sausage filled bap), to be washed down with three of the Estate Winery’s reds.
Revitalised and having enjoyed the panoramic views for a moment, it was time to ascend. A handful of guests (the Hen-Party ladies) happily took advantage of the Gänz Support-Vehicles and disappeared down the track in a cloud of dust.
The rest of us arrived on foot just 10 minutes later, with all confirming the return ramble was considerably less of a challenge than the one going up.
Of the 11 wines presented in the vineyards by both Hubert and Konstantin,
these are my personal favourites:
– dry, zesty, fresh, full-bodied harmony.
Great with light meats and delicate fish dishes.
– off-dry, delicate citrus and stone-fruit, mineralic, well-integrated acidity.
An ideal partner to Asian food, more sweet & sour than hot.
– exotic fruit cocktail of mango, maracuja and spice.
A wine for dessert or with salty cheese (stilton/gorgonzola).
– Cabernet Sauvignon & Pinot Noir cuvée, aromatic red fruit, fresh minerality.
Light Pasta, salads and shellfish. Summer Perfection.
Message in a Bottle
Throughout the day Hubert and Konstantin’s message was a loud and clear one:
Buy local! - and I absolutely agree.
According to statistics (2022-2023), the Germans consume around 19 million hectolitres of wine a year, produce just under 9 million, of which a good percentage will end up on foreign shores but also import ca. 13.6 million. So, wherever you are, please support local farmers, in particular, your winegrowers.
When choosing a wine, cost is often a deciding factor, closely followed by quality. I know it is tempting to go for what you think is a bargain, but is it? Take that last bottle you bought in the supermarket for €6,00 - €8,00, for example.
The bottle itself, (for Sekt a lot heavier than that for still-wines) and the Sparkling-Wine-Tax in Germany (introduced in 1902 by Kaiser Wilhelm II to finance his Fleet) already count for at least two of your six Euros.
Other factors such as production costs, marketing and the logistics need to be considered, so I hope you are slowly getting an idea of what is left in your bottle. More so, it’s worth.
Quality may have its price, but justifiably so and despite their hard work and commitment, the Gänz Wine-Portfolio is very competitively and fairly priced.
Craftsmanship
The Craft of Winemaking is a complex one, becoming vividly clear during the tour of the wine cellar. Konstantin, having completed his Masters in Viticulture, Oenology and Wine-Economics and who is already an Award-Winning Winemaker himself, knowledgeably explained all procedures to an attentive audience and step by step.
During his semester at the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (Boku) in Vienna Austria, Konsti – as he is known as by his friends, deservedly won the 2021 BOKU Wine of the Year Award with !ZNÄG WHITE, chosen by a top-class jury representing the University.
With an annual production of 160.000 bottles, the Gänz Family produce convincing wines of quality, based on dedication and proficiency. The devotion to their work is not only tastable, but evident in the strongly knit and healthy family unit in which they thrive.
Climax
The Vinothek, tastefully decorated with yes you’ve guessed it, a hint of purple, was laid up for Act Three and the day’s Finale.
In Roman Times, the Gänz’ Primo would have heralded the onset of a lavish orgy. Primo, today served as an appetiser and followed by the region’s popular Spießbraten (delicious onion-stuffed Roast Pork) and Potato-Salad, was an absolute highlight, especially for all lovers of Fino Sherry.
Of the two Sparkling Wines presented during the meal; the Riesling extra-dry Sekt paired brilliantly with our savoury, and the fruity Bacchus demi-sec, more fitting to our dessert.
PS: I wasn`t aware of an Orgy, but having said that, I did have a fabulous time….
Many thanks Susanne, Victoria, Hubert and Konstantin for all your hard work – not to mention your amazing wines!
Whether on the Look-Out for your next Event Location, a weekend break with friends, a Land Rover-Tour a la Gänz or just a new source of quality wine, then look no further.
There are plenty of ideas on the Homepage. You can even park your Caravan there and if you don`t have one, the Gänz Family will happily organise accommodation so you can really go to town on visiting.
It’s All or Nothing, „ Ganz oder gar nicht”, as they say here in Germany. 😊
For further information please contact Susanne, Hubert or Konstantin personally at:
Mühlenweg 24
55452 Guldental
Tel.: +49 (0) 6707/960315
Fax: +49 (0) 6707/960316
E-Mail: weingut@gaenz.de
Comments