Salwey

Always Burgundy, always dry: the Salwey Winery’s philosophy for success

The Salwey Winery in Oberrotweil on the Kaiserstuhl is a shining example of how deep roots in tradition and an uncompromising commitment to quality can lead to an international success story. The estate has been family-owned since 1740, but the foundations for its current world-class status were laid by great-grandfather Heinrich Nepomuk Steiert as early as the 1920s.

The major turning point came in the summer of 2002, when Konrad Salwey, following his training – including stints at the renowned wineries Wirsching and Müller-Catoir, as well as positions in France at Zind-Humbrecht and in Burgundy – to his parents’ estate. With a clear vision, he gradually took over the reins and has since shaped the estate’s unmistakable style: “Salwey: always Burgundy-style, always dry!”.

Konrad Salwey’s philosophy is remarkably simple yet revolutionary: he gives his wines time – time, time and more time. Whilst other winemakers release their wines early, he does not release his top wines, particularly the ‘Große Gewächse’, to be released only one to two years later. Maturation takes place in a tunnel cellar specially hewn into the mountain, which maintains a constant temperature of 11.5 to 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The range is structured in three tiers: estate wines for everyday enjoyment, the high-quality ‘RS’ selection wines (Reserve Salwey) and, at the top, the Grands Crus from the renowned vineyards of Eichberg, Henkenberg and Kirchberg.

Across 23 hectares of vineyards, the estate now cultivates 40 per cent each of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, and 20 per cent Pinot Blanc. The soils, composed of volcanic weathering and loess, lend the wines their unmistakable minerality and finesse. With an annual production of around 150,000 bottles, Salwey is one of the most sought-after estates for Burgundy enthusiasts. The wines are characterised by remarkable clarity and elegance, whilst being moderate in alcohol and offering great ageing potential. The winery has been a member of the VDP since 1926 and has been awarded the highest rating on several occasions by leading wine guides – a vivid testament to the fact that true greatness lies in a dedication to the essentials.