1953 Louis Guntrum Niersteiner Auflangen Trockenbeerenauslese

Louis Guntrum was founded in the 17th century on the banks of the Rhine river. Its long history includes a tumultuous period in the late 18th century when the Guntrum family fled French forces, temporarily relocating the winery, and the final months of WW11, during which General Patton occupied the family mansion. Today the estate is run by the 11th generation of the Guntrum family. The 27 acres of vineyards are planted primarily to Riesling and other white wine grapes, though there are also plots of Pinot Noir. Guntrum makes 8,000 cases of wine annually from estate grapes, and another 60,000 cases from purchased fruit.

Rheinhessen is Germany’s largest “anbaugebiete,” or “quality wine region.” With 65,000 vineyard acres located along the Rhine, it is in the center of Germany’s wine industry. And, for many years, the region was known primarily for producing large amounts of bulk wine blends. In recent years, however, it has become one of the most exciting wine producing areas in Germany, thanks in large part to an energetic group of young, talented, worldly winemakers who have shaken up the region with a return to traditional, rather than industrial, winemaking methods and an emphasis on quality. The dominant grape in Rheinhessen is Muller-Thurgau, followed by Riesling, Sylvaner, Scheurebe, and several others.