Emrich-Schönleber

🍷 Brief report: Emrich-Schönleber winery

The Emrich-Schönleberwinery in Monzingenis a shining example of how visionary work and uncompromising quality can catapult an estate to the absolute top of the world in just a few decades.

📜 History & location

Deeply rooted in the family: the ancestors of the Emrich family have been growing wine in the Nahe Valleysince the mid-18th century. However, the fundamental change to a top-quality business began at the end of the 1960s, when Werner Schönleber took over the business of just two hectares.

Werner Schönleber was the real architect of this success. He probably made his most significant and boldest decision in 2007 when he acquired the centrepiece of the estate: 0.64 hectares of the extremely steep Halenberg, which had lain fallow for 30 years - a move that was considered insane at the time. Today, the estate is run by Werner Schönleber together with his son Frank Schönleber, who continues his father's work with the same passion and determination.

🍇 Vineyards, grape varieties & philosophy

Today, the winery cultivates around 22 hectares of vineyards in the best locations in Monzingen. The wines are the uncompromising expression of a deeply felt wine philosophy, which Frank Schönleber describes succinctly: "Schönleber wine is honest and authentic. It shows its origins - unvarnished."

Grape varieties: The portfolio is clearly dominated by the "queen" Riesling, which accounts for an astonishing 85% of the vineyard area. It is complemented by PinotGris and Pinot Blanc.
Top sites (VDP.GROSSE LAGE): The winery has three of the most prestigious sites on the Nahe, which are located on steep, south-facing slopes with gradients of up to 70% and whose soils are characterised by blue-grey and red slate and quartzite.
- Monzinger Halenberg: The absolute parade site, the centrepiece and the "brand name" of the estate: "When you hear Emrich-Schönleber, you immediately think of Halenberg," says Frank Schönleber.
- Monzinger Frühlingsplätzchen: Another legendary site that is appreciated worldwide for its elegant, salty-mineral style.
- Monzinger Auf der Ley: One of the youngest and most exclusive vineyards, which Frank Schönleber rediscovered around 10 years ago.

🏆 Awards & specialities

The list of awards reads like a who's who of the wine world:

Werner Schönleber was named"Winemaker of the Year" by Gault Millau back in 2005.
in 2024, Werner and Frank Schönleberwere honoured by Gault Millau as "Wine Personalities of the Year".
Frank Schönleber received several top ratings: 100 points from James Suckling for the 2023 "Auf der Ley" and for the same wine the "Riesling of the Year" award from Vinum Weinguide (2025) with a sensational 99 points.
The winery has been a member of the VDPsince 1994 and also produces its own VDP sparkling wines.