Bremen Ratskeller

The 1727 Rüdesheim Apostles’ Wine – A liquid gem spanning three centuries

Deep beneath the vaults of Bremen Town Hall, where history has breathed through every stone for centuries, lies a treasure that is unrivalled: the Rüdesheim Apostles’ Wine from the 1727 vintage . It is the oldest surviving German wine and can claim to be the oldest drinkable wine in the world. This liquid gem is kept in the famous ‘Twelve Apostles Cellar’ of the Bremen Ratskeller, one of Germany’s oldest wine cellars .

This unique wine originates from the Rheingau, specifically Rüdesheim. The 1727 vintage was already considered exceptional at the time – both in terms of quality and quantity. However, what sets Apostelwein apart from all other wines is its centuries-long journey in the cask. The secret of its longevity lies in a special process: over the course of the centuries, the mother cask has been repeatedly topped up with young Rüdesheim wine of good quality . This is similar to the solera principle and keeps the vast majority of the ancient wine fresh and vibrant . As a result , high levels of alcohol and acidity have been preserved, which have kept the wine in good condition over the centuries.

On special occasions, the Apostelwein is bottled. These rarities are highly sought-after by collectors – for example, a half-bottle fetched a price of 1,380 euros at Christie’s in 2006 . The auction house first mentioned the wine in its catalogue as early as 1829. Those lucky enough to have tasted it describe an unforgettable experience: the wine has a pale amber to straw-yellow colour. Its bouquet is reminiscent of old apples, nutty notes and a hint of sherry or old Madeira. On the palate, it is surprisingly dry, with a flavour of toasted old straw and a pleasant acidity. The Bremen Ratskeller, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004 , preserves this unique testament to German wine culture . Rüdesheim’s Apostelwein is more than just a drink – it is a living museum in liquid form, which embodies the unbroken spirit and craftsmanship of centuries past.