Under the direction of Johannes Leitz, Weingut Josef Leitz has earned the reputation of being one of Rheingau’s top growers and moreover, one of the finest producers in Germany. Since taking over his family estate in 1985, Johannes has grown his holdings from 2.6 hectares to over 40, most of which are Grand Cru sites on the slopes of the Rüdesheimer Berg. Once the home of some of the world’s most sought after and expensive wines, the region fell to mediocrity in the years following the Second World War. Josi has made it his life’s work to reclaim the intrinsic quality of his native terroir and introduce the world to the true potential of the Rheingau.

From the 2011 vintage, Leitz began to designate the pre-1971 parcel names on select bottlings, reviving the individual voices of 'Hinterhaus' (Rottland), 'Ehrenfels' (Schlossberg), and 'Katerloch' (Roseneck). He has also resurrected the once neglected site of Kaisersteinfels, which has become one of the most sought-after wines of the Rheingau. 'Der Kaiser' sits high, just beneath the forest line of the Rüdesheimer-Berg, with a spectacular view overlooking the confluence of the Nahe and Rhein Rivers. The singular terroir on the westernmost point of the Rheingau is composed of quartzite, very old grey slate, as well as some iron-rich red slate and produces wines with incredible complexity and length.

In 2011 Johannes was recognised by the esteemed Gault Millau as 'Winemaker of the Year.' We could not be more excited to be a small part of the Leitz project.  We believe that these are some of the finest white wines in the world. 

 

2021 'Eins Zwei Dry' Organic Riesling
From a cross-section of various Rheingau loess and clay soils. Characterised by expansive aromatics, mineral structure and lively acidity this is an outstanding example of the terroir of the Rheingau. Significant concentration marks this as a wine with great cellaring potential. Vegan. Screwcap.
91 points, Stuart Pigott, jamesuckling.com

“Effusive nose of yellow peach, bergamot and persimmon. Generous palate for an entry-level wine, the ripe flavours carrying the lemony acidity easily. Long, racy finish with plenty of wet-stone character.”

2020 'Magic Mountain' Riesling
A blend of the four quartz-soiled Grosse Lagen vineyards of the Rüdesheim mountains (Kaisersteinfels, Roseneck, Rosengarten and Schlossberg). Leitz says the idea behind this cuvee is to deliver '80% Grosses Gewächs quality at 40% of the price'. Hand harvested fruit is gently pressed, with the free-run juice then allowed to ferment  spontaneously in old oak casks for around six months. Vegan. Screwcap.

94 points, Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com
“In every sense a brilliant nose of white peaches and fresh herbs with a touch of kiwi. Crystalline clarity on the palate with just a whisker of oak adding structure and interest at the long stony finish.”

2020 Kaisersteinfels Riesling GG

98 points, Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com
“Very exotic, with papaya, pineapple and jack-fruit aromas, but also tropical flowers and touches of fresh ginger and galgant. Enormous concentration and refinement, the fruit rippling over the palate in waves, and each time you think that you’ve taken them all in, the next wave hits you. Almost endless wet-stone finish!”

2020 Rosengarten Riesling GG

95 points, Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com
“A deep well of ripe mirabelle and persimmon on the nose. Then comes the rich and concentrated but silky and precisely balanced palate. Very long and expansive finish with a fabulous texture and a delicate floral-honey touch.”

2020 Schlossberg Riesling GG

97 points, Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com
“A cornucopia of delicate stone-fruit and floral aromas, plus a touch of ripe melon. A very concentrated and tightly wound wine with great crushed-rock minerality that expands and expands on the super-ripe and silky finish. Just doesn’t want to stop!”
 

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