🍷 Brief report: Reichsgraf von Plettenberg winery
The Reichsgraf von Plettenberg winery (also known as Schloss Plettenberg) in Bad Kreuznachis a traditional family winery that dates back to the 18th century and is now run by the fourth generation. It combines an eventful aristocratic and industrial history with modern, terroir-influenced winemaking skills and international appeal.
📜 History & location
The roots of the estate go back to 1732- at that time as a farm with vineyards owned by the Electoral Palatinate hereditary forester Friedrich Utsch, known for the folk song "Jäger aus Kurpfalz".
The merging of two families: in 1912, the Westphalian Friedrich-Christian Reichsgraf von Plettenberg (1882-1972) married the industrialist's daughter Elisabeth Puricelli. Elisabeth brought the vineyards into the marriage through her dowry - from then on, the estate traded under the name Reichsgraf von Plettenberg.
A pioneer on the Nahe: Friedrich-Christian developed the estate into a model business from 1912 onwards and is still regarded as one of the most important winegrowing pioneers on the Nahe. He was chairman of the Prussian Winegrowers' Association and co-founder of the Nahe and Glan Farmers' and Winegrowers' Association.
Today's management: Since 2015, the graduate oenologist Falk Albrecht Reichsgraf von Plettenberg has been managing the winery in the fourth generation. After working in the Rheingau, Geisenheim and international wineries, he combines tradition and modernity.
🍇 Vineyards & grape varieties
Today, the winery cultivates around 20 to 35 hectares of vineyards (depending on the source) in the best locations around Bad Kreuznach .
Grape varieties: The clear dominance lies with the "queen" Riesling, which occupies around 70% of the cultivated area. The range is supplemented by Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and other varieties.
Top vineyards:
Soils & terroir: The soils are characterised by great diversity - slate, sand, gravel, loess and loam. The mild climate of the Nahe and the alternating steep slopes ensure characterful, mineral wines.
Terroir product line "Quarzit": Under the name "Quarzit", the estate markets an independent line of terroir-influenced Rieslings that emphasise the mineral character of the soil.
🌟 Philosophy & specialities
Philosophy: The estate's credo is to transfer the characteristics of the terroir into the wine and make them tangible. The winery produces classic grape varieties as well as experimental new creations.
Royal clientele: Decades ago, the high quality standards of the wines made them well-known to the Swedish royal family.
On-site service: The winery has its own wine shop. However, visits and tastings are only possibleby prior arrangement. A guest house is also available on the estate.
Imperial count title: The owner and family still bear the hereditary title of Imperial Count.
VDP involvement: Egbert Reichsgraf von Plettenberg was chairman of the VDP Nahe from 1991 to 1993.
🏆 Awards
The high quality of the wines is confirmed by renowned wine guides and competitions:
Gold medal: Berliner Wein Trophy Gold for the 2020 Schloss Plettenberg Riesling Kreuznacher Narrenkappe Spätlese trocken.
Gold medal: Berliner Wein Trophy Gold for the 2022 Graf Plettenberg Kies & Sand Pinot Gris.
Falstaff ratings: Top wines such as the 2024 Bad Kreuznach Forst Riesling Auslese trockenreceived 91 Falstaff points from critic Ulrich Sautter .
WeinPlus rating: The winery was rated as one of the top wineries on the Nahe.
Contents: 0.75 Liter (€393.33* / 1 Liter)
Contents: 0.75 Liter (€265.33* / 1 Liter)
Contents: 0.75 Liter (€500.00* / 1 Liter)
Contents: 0.75 Liter (€326.67* / 1 Liter)