Snapper

The Knipser Winery is a family-run, top-class estate in Laumersheim in the Palatinate and is one of the most renowned names in German viticulture. The family has been based in the region since 1876, but can look back on an even longer tradition of winemaking that stretches back to South Tyrol .

The estate, whichtoday coversaround 80 to 100 hectares ,is run by brothers Volker and Werner Knipser, along with Werner’s son Stephan. With an annual production of around 400,000 bottles, the winery is one of the largest in the Palatinate and has been a member of the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates (VDP) since 1993.

Viticulture and Philosophy

The estate’s vineyards span the Laumersheimer Kirschgarten, Steinbuckel and Kapellenbergsites , as well as the Großkarlbacher Burgweg and the Dirmsteiner Mandelpfad. The soils are characterised by limestone, calcareous marl and loess, which lend the wines a mineral elegance and well-balanced acidity .

The estate’s philosophy is to producewines with character and personality – ranging from light and fresh to complex and concentrated. A hallmark of the estate is its practice of releasing some of its wines for sale only after several years of bottle ageing.

Pioneering spirit and awards

In the 1980s,the Knipsers were pioneers of barrique ageing in Germany and are founding members of the German Barrique Forum . This innovative spirit, combined with traditional craftsmanship, has earned the winery numerous top honours, including:

‘Winemaker of the Year’ in 1996 (Der Feinschmecker) and 2009 (Gault-Millau)
5 out of 5 grapes in the Gault-Millau Wine Guide
Lifetime Achievement Award for Werner Knipser in 2017 (Eichelmann)

Grape varieties and flagship wines

The portfolio is diverse: Pinot Noir (28% of the vineyard area) and Riesling (20%) form the backbone, complemented by Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and other varieties . However, the estate is best known for its red wines, which set international standards .

The undisputed flagship is the Pinot Noir “RdP” (Réserve du Patron) – a wine produced only in the finest vintages and consistently receiving top ratings. In addition, the VDP.GROSSEN GEWÄCHSE® made from Riesling and Pinot Noir are among the most sought-after wines in the Palatinate.

In summary , the Knipser Winery is an exceptional estate that masterfully combines tradition with international style and ranks among the very best in Germany in both red and white wine production .