The 2026 wine year began in the Rheingau with an unusually mild and sunny spring. At the same time, precipitation fell significantly short of normal levels. The dry spring was followed by a hot and very dry summer \u2013 a challenge for both people and the vines. At times, even the Rhine carried so little water that it reached a record low. The drought also made itself felt in the vineyard. The grapes initially remained comparatively small and took longer to reach optimal ripeness. This made our regular checks of the vineyards and the careful decision-making regarding the right time to harvest each plot all the more important.<\/p>\n
The grape harvest kicked off at Johannisberg Castle on August 20th<\/sup> \u2013 earlier than ever before in our history. We started with the Chardonnay grapes for our winemaker\u2019s sparkling wine. Shortly thereafter, the centerpiece of our winery took center stage: the Schlossberg Riesling. Over the course of three weeks, the grapes were carefully harvested by hand, and only those that met our quality standards were brought in. Despite the challenges, the special potential of this year became evident as the harvest progressed. A truly special highlight: we were even able to harvest a Trockenbeerenauslese. Thus, alongside its challenges, the 2026 wine year holds an extraordinary treasure in store for us.<\/p>\n With the harvest now complete, the next exciting phase begins in the cellar. In the historic castle cellar, in individual barrels made from the castle\u2019s own oak and in stainless steel tanks, the aging process for our Rieslings is now underway. The first musts have already begun fermenting and are gradually developing into the wines of the new vintage. If you listen closely, you can even hear this process unfolding\u2014because the cellar is already bubbling away busily. Now is the time when the aromas take shape and the wine develops its characteristic flavor profile. Our cellar team guides this aging process with great sensitivity, crafting true artistry in the cellar through meticulous, hands-on work. Depending on the quality level, the aging process can take up to 30 months, and every tasting of the Riesling along this journey is an experience for us. To ensure our Rieslings can now reach their full potential, we\u2019re giving them plenty of rest.<\/p>\n It\u2019s still too early to say what stories the wines of the 2026 vintage will ultimately tell. But one thing is already certain: It was an intense, challenging, and at the same time special wine-growing year that has shown us once again just how closely wine is connected to nature.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"