The winegrowing history of the Leitz family can be traced back to the year 1744. Since then, the current owner Johannes Leitz has directed the business to become both a nationally and internationally successful vineyard. Of the substantial size of 130 hectares, 40 are in proprietary possession. Beside Germany, Norway, Sweden, England and the US, 33 more countries are among its prime markets by now.
Before Johannes Leitz took over the then 2,9 hectare business in 1985 single-handedly, his grandfather, Josef Leitz, directed the business. He rebuilt it after its full destruction in World War 2. Afterwards, Johannes’ father managed the vineyard for a short period of time. Unfortunately, he died when Johannes was only 14 months old. His mother then obtained the business as a sideline until Johannes Leitz, after having completed his training as viticulturist, became the owner.
Top wines with an individual note
Johannes´ wines carry an individual note and reflect the terroir of the Rüdesheimer Mountain in a unique kind of way. Even today, the dry top wines from BERG SCHLOSSBERG, BERG ROTTLAND and BERG KAISERSTEINFELS rank among the top wines in their category.
Beside his terroir-focused top wines, Johannes Leitz also managed to establish wines like the „Dragonstone“ Riesling as internationally successful brands. Among them is also the „EINS-ZWEI-DRY“, which was awarded the „if Communication Design Award 2009“.
Recultivating a cultural landscape
Despite the great international success, Johannes Leitz remains rooted firmly in his homeland. His love is dedicated to his unique vineyard and the worship of the great Rüdesheimer Mountain. The latter belongs to the UNESCO Oberes Mittelrheintal world heritage.
This is why Johannes Leitz, in collaboration with the nature conservation authority, stands up for preserving this century-old cultivated landscape. Additionally, he promotes the recultivation of sunken and partly buried old terraced vineyards in BERG ROTTLAND and BERG KAISERSTEINFELS.
5 GaultMillau grapes
Johannes Leitz has been a member of the VDP (Verband der besten Weinproduzenten Deutschlands (Union of the Best Wine Producers in Germany)) since 1996. Moreover, he is one of the few ambassadors of German Riesling who brought the modern qualities and the knowledge of these noble wines to the contemporary international markets.
One highlight of his successes hitherto is his nomination as “Winemaker of the Year 2011“ by GaultMillau. The vineyard was finally granted the longed for 5th grape, or rather, star in GaultMillau and Eichelmann in 2019. Both rank among the most important German wine guides. With this distinction, the Leitz vineyard ranks, according to consistent quality improvement, among the best vineyards in Germany. It is the more of an honour since this is the result of a long-term development which was assessed by both wine guides.
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