The Balthasar Ress winery has a rich history rooted in the desire to provide exceptional hospitality. In 1870, Balthasar Ress founded the Gasthof Ress in Hattenheim, laying the foundation for a long-standing tradition of gastronomy and hospitality in the Rheingau region, as well as for the later establishment of the VDP Weingut Balthasar Ress winery.

One hundred forty years later, Christian Ress took over responsibility for the winery and under his leadership, it became the most extensive organic wine-growing company in Hesse in 2019. In 2020, the family celebrated the company’s 150th anniversary. Today, the winery remains owned by the Ress family, with Stefan and Christian Ress as the fourth and fifth generations of owners.

The wine portfolio at Balthasar Ress consists of fine, characterful, complex, and individual wines that reflect their origins. They also produce wines that are unique and different from traditional Rieslings. The winery has a wealth of experience and knowledge, passed down through five generations, which they use to create both traditional and innovative wines that look to the future.

Preserving Traditional Winemaking Methods at Balthasar Ress Winery 
Balthasar Ress winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in the heart of the Rheingau region of Germany. The winery has a long history of producing high-quality Riesling and Pinot Noir wines using traditional methods. The winery’s commitment to preserving traditional winemaking methods and producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the grape varieties and terroir of the region has earned them a reputation as one of the premier wineries in Germany.

Riesling and Pinot Noir: The Flagship Wines of Balthasar Ress

The winery’s focus on Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes is evident in its wide range of wines. Their Riesling wines are known for their bright acidity, minerality, and complex aromas and flavours. Meanwhile, the winery’s Pinot Noir wines are known for their elegant structure, delicate tannins, and complex aromas and flavours.

Riesling: A wine of complexity and aromas

A wide range of flavours and aromas, including citrus, stone fruits, and minerals, characterizes wines from the Balthasar Ress winery. Riesling wine is known for its high acidity, which makes it an excellent pairing for spicy food or seafood. Balthasar Ress Riesling wines are known for their balance of sweetness and acidity, providing a crisp and refreshing wine. The winery offers a range of Riesling wines, from dry to sweet, and also produces Riesling wines with a touch of residual sugar (Spatlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese) which will provide a more complex flavour profile. Balthasar Ress Riesling is considered a premium wine, and it is highly sought after by wine connoisseurs and collectors for its quality and distinct characteristics.

Pinot Noir: A wine of elegance and complexity

Balthasar Ress is a winery in the German region of Hesse that produces Pinot Noir wines of elegance and complexity. The winery’s Pinot Noir wines are made using grapes grown in the Rheingau and Rheinhessen regions, which are known for their ideal growing conditions for the grape variety. The winery utilizes traditional winemaking techniques to produce wines characterized by their rich, complex flavours and aromas, with notes of red fruit, spices and subtle oak. The wines are well-balanced, with a soft tannin structure and a long finish. Balthasar Ress Pinot Noir is considered a premium wine, and it is highly sought after by wine connoisseurs and collectors for its quality and distinct characteristics.

Understanding the Differences: Trocken and Spätlese Riesling

When it comes to Riesling wines, one of the most important distinctions is the difference between “Trocken” and “Spätlese”. These terms refer to the sugar content of the grapes used to make the wine and significantly impact the wine’s flavour, aroma, and overall character.

Trocken Riesling, which means “dry” in German, is made from grapes left on the vine for longer. This results in a drier wine with higher alcohol content. Trocken Rieslings typically have bright acidity and a clean, crisp finish. They are often described as having flavours and aromas of green apples, lemons, and mineral notes.

Spätlese Riesling, which means “late harvest” in German, is made from grapes that are picked later in the season and have higher sugar content. These wines are sweeter and have a more complex aroma and flavour. Spätlese Rieslings typically have a rich, honeyed quality and a more rounded and full-bodied character. They are often described as having flavours and aromas of ripe peaches, apricots, and honey.

The winemaking process for Trocken and Spätlese Riesling is similar. Still, the grapes are picked at different times, resulting in different sugar content and, therefore, different flavours, aromas and overall character. Trocken Riesling is typically enjoyed as an aperitif, while Spätlese Riesling is often paired with dessert or enjoyed as a sipper.

In conclusion, Balthasar Ress winery has a long history of producing high-quality Riesling and Pinot Noir wines using traditional methods. Their commitment to preserving traditional winemaking methods and producing wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the grape varieties and terroir of the region has earned them a reputation as one of the premier wineries in Germany.