This informal tasting took place after the Porto Protocol Living Vineyards day at Staffelterhof in the Mosel, showcasing several innovative wine projects from Luxembourg and Germany.
Kox
Run by Laurent and Rita Kox along with their daughter Corinne in Luxembourg, Kox winery is exploring new directions in winemaking, including the use of qvevri. Corinne’s scientific background is helping to drive the innovation at the domaine. Their wines include:
- Kox Amber Essence 2024: This Auxerrois shows a lively character with a refreshing salty twist. 91/100.
- Kox Bulles D’Audace NV: A Crémant de Luxembourg blend of 80% Cabernet Blanc and 20% Rivaner, it is juicy and focused with citrus-driven notes. 90/100.
- Kox Melusiner NV: A fruity Crémant aged 14 years on the lees, offering a lively pear and peach profile. 91/100.
- Kox Orchard Fille d’Ausone 2022: A Chardonnay matured in Luxembourg oak, it presents fresh citrus and pear with a hint of oak. 89/100.
Dope Wines
Dope wines, founded by Lisa Hofmann and José Fleck, is a natural wine project in Rheinhessen that emphasizes permaculture. Starting in 2022, they utilize unique returnable “star” bottles and focus on sustainable practices. Their offerings include:
- Superdope Faberrebe 2022: This rare grape variety yields a brisk and refined wine with stony minerality. 93/100.
- Superdope Rivaner 2022: Bright with juicy citrus notes, this wine is supple and linear. 91/100.
- Jus’ Dope Orange NV: An orange wine blending vintages from 2022-2024, it is tangy with bright acidity and nice grip. 92/100.
Piri Naturel
Christine Pieroth, located in Nahe, creates exceptional natural wines without sulfites. Highlights include:
- Piri Naturel Weissburgunder 2023: A textured Pinot Blanc with minerality and precision. 93/100.
- Piri Naturel Riesling 2023: From sandy soils, it features bright citrus and a complex, spicy profile. 94/100.
- Piri Naturel Ponderosa 2022: This blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir shows freshness and spiciness with detailed fruit notes. 93/100.
Kraemer
Stephan Krämer operates 4 hectares in Franconia, focusing on organic farming and low-intervention vinification. The wines include:
- Kraemer Johanniter Reserve NV: A bright blend with citrus fruit and minerality. 93/100.
- Kraemer Silvaner Alte Reben 2020: Fresh, textural, and fine with lovely purity. 94/100.
Salutaris
Located in Regensberg, an area with historical significance in wine production, Salutaris offers value wines from municipal vineyards:
- Salutaris Regensberger Landwein Rotwein Cuvée NV: A blend of Regent and Dornfelder, it displays juicy cherry flavors. 90/100.
- Salutaris Müller-Thurgau Trocken NV: Fruity and smooth, featuring apple and pear notes. 90/100.
This tasting brought together a variety of innovative and exciting wines from the region, highlighting the creativity and sustainable practices of the producers involved.