For our family, wine has been at the heart of life for generations. Our deep respect for the traditions of our region remains, as ever, the guarantee for the quality of our wines.
In our endeavours we give highest priority to maintaining the egological balance of our vineyards, in the belief that as winemakers we must recognize and respect the fragile unity of viticulture and nature.
St. Urbans-Hof employs traditional methods of wine growing and winemaking which have been used in the Mosel and Saar Valleys for centuries, some of which date back to the Romans. For example, the vines are grown on the traditional single-post 'Heart-binding' trellis system, whereby the canes are tied in the shape of a heart.
Also, organic fertilizers are utilized in order to maintain the natural balance of the soil. Most importantly, yields are kept at low levels in order to achieve intense and well-structured wines. For optimal flavour development, leaves are thinned and grapes are harvested as late as possible to allow for maximum ripening. All grapes are hand picked and carried from the vineyard in traditional shoulder-mounted containers called 'hotten' to ensure optimal fruit quality.
Just as important as the great length taken to deliver the best possible fruit from the vineyard is the careful attention given to the proper traetment of the grapes by cellarmaster Rudolf Hoffmann. The grapes are lightly crushed, after which they remain on the skins for a short period to ensure the complete release of aromas into the juice.
After this, the pulp of skins and juice is gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at cool cellar temperatures to fully capture the aromas, flavours and delicate natural spritz of the Riesling grape. The wines are then transferred into traditional 1000 litre 'Fuder' barrels for several months to harmonize, after which they are lightly filtered and bottled.
“The St. Urbans-Hof Estate Riesling “From Old Vines” represents everything you can expect from a fine Riesling from Germany’s renowned Mosel Valley. It has the
"Elderflower, lilac, violet, and rose are the floral notes attributed to these wines along with the aforementioned smoky minerality. These Ockfener Bocksteins are the most
The Wine Advocate 94 "Along with the 2012 Wiltinger Alte Reben the 2012 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Kabinett is probably the best buy from St. Urbans-Hof of
Empire Wine Best Value Wine Spectator 90 "Rich-tasting, with spiced apple and ripe peach flavors accented by tropical fruit notes. Hints of almond show on the minerally
Wine Advocate 94 "From fruit Nik Weis says was virtually botrytis-free, his St. Urbans-Hof 2009 Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Auslese (from the Zickelgarten) smells predictably of orange,
Wine Spectator 90 WS TOP 100 2014 Rank 60 "This version is richly spiced and filled with luscious flavors of glazed apricot, ripe melon and peach cobbler.
Wine Spectator 93 "Displays very spicy aromas, with a hint of flowers and savory elements. This is firm and tight, offering the vivid structure that
Wine Spectator 91 "This complex white features stone, herb and bouillon aromas that complement its fig, anise and lime flavors. Cohesive, persistent and long, with a
Wine Spectator 92 "Rich and spicy, with a caressing mouthful of white chocolate, ripe peach and baked apple flavors, supported by moderate acidity. Finishes with passion
Stephen Tanzer 90 "Delicate aromas of apricot, clove, pine nuts and lemon oil. The alluring tropical fruit flavors are nicely balanced by crisp, clear, spicy acidity
Wine Spectator 96 "Racy, with laserlike focus to the ethereal flavors of quince, fresh-cut apple, cherry and currant. Very pure and vibrant midpalate, showing plenty of
"Fresh doesn’t even describe this wine! It is full of apple aromas and flavors, with a hint of currant, and savory while juicy. Vibrant, clean
Wine & Spirits 90 "You have to like floral whites to like this riesling, it’s so heady in its minty, herbal flavors. If you do, you’re
Wine & Spirits 90 "Spicy acidity gives this rich, fruity QbA an elegant line, wending through the peach, mango and pineapple flavor with persistence and drive.
Wine Spectator 90 "A juicy white, with red currant and plum flavors dominating this off-dry style. Hints of spice and cranberry show on the effusively fruity
Wine Spectator 91 “A pure, well-sculpted, off-dry version, with persimmon, lime and slate flavors coating the palate. Hints of orchard blossom and herbs add to the
“Racy and pure with intense minerality coupled with green apple and pear flavors. It has a steely finish with white stones and dry herb notes.”-Winemaker’s
End of item list
