Producer Focus – Dönnhoff

The Dönnhoff family has been making wine in the Nahe region for over 250 years, and Helmut Dönnhoff (now joined by his son Cornelius) elevated the estate into international fame.

Their vineyards sit on a mosaic of volcanic, slate, porphyry, and sandstone soils along the Nahe River. Each site — from Oberhäuser Brücke to Hermannshöhle, produces Rieslings with distinct personalities, from racy minerality to deep, almost smoky complexity. That diversity of terroir allows them to craft wines that range from bone-dry GGs (Grosses Gewächs) to lusciously sweet Beerenauslese, all with precision.

The Dönnhoff style stands out due to the wine’s incredible balance of ripeness, acidity, and minerality. The wines are like laser beams of intense energy and aromatics. Think stone fruits, citrus, herbs, and sometimes floral or even smoky notes. They are made with meticulous care: selective hand-harvesting, gentle pressing, wild yeast fermentations, and long, cool fermentations to preserve freshness. Importantly, Dönnhoff never chases power; the wines are celebrated for their clarity, elegance, and ability to age for decades.