A fourth generation winemaker, Niklas is originally from Eckelsheim, where the family estate is located. At university in Geisenheim, following two years of winemaking apprenticeships, Niklas found himself surrounded by a peer group of enthusiastic young winemakers with a similar vision for the future, including Moritz Kissinger, Dominik Held and Bastian Beny. Across the family’s 14 hectares grow traditional varieties of this region; Riesling, Silvaner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Müller Thurgau, Dornfelder, Portugieser, Scheurebe, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the latter two being Niklas’ favourites, finding them not only elegant but very expressive of their terroir. These two are grown both on volcanic and marl soil, with very different results in the bottle. The volcanic soil here is known as porphyry and is around 285 million years old, covered by loess clay. Niklas began making wine in 2021 with just under a hectare, expanding to 2 ha the following year. He has worked hard to convert the family estate to organic farming, with a certification coming in 2025. He strives to make wines that are as clean as possible, with the aim to bridge the gap between natural wine lovers and those who are passionate about conventional fine wines. Inspired by the wines of Southern Styria, he considers many Austrian winemakers pioneers in their crafting of clean, low intervention, well-made wines.
Rot 2022 is made with three different varieties, harvested in early September. 40% Dornfelder and 30% Spätburgunder from volcanic soil meet with 30% Portugieser, grown on loess and clay. As with all his wines, the grapes are hand-picked and crushed underfoot before pressing. After spontaneous and malolactic fermentation, the wines rest on their lees for 11 months. Niklas carefully examines each barrel and, if needed, occasionally adds 5-10mg/l of sulphur. For this wine, a few of the barrels were given 5mg/l of sulphur a few weeks before blending the final cuvee, as protection against oxidation. Bottled in August ’23 and released in March 24’, this is an animated light red with plenty of red fruit.