Max Dexheimer - "Luftmensch" 2023 750ml Landwein Rhein (11.5% abv)
WINE CLUB SELECTION - MARCH 2025
Luftmensch means “Dreamer” or “head in the clouds” in German — quite fitting for this textural and dreamy white.
Grapes: Silvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris
I was lucky enough to taste thru the full line-up of new arrivals from Max, and while they were all great ~ this was the standout.
A textural white blend of Silvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris that shows an alluring & distinctive slight rose/blush/light amber hue. Underripe tropical fruit, long finish.
Give this some air! Decant for 20-30 mins to let properly open up.
Making of: manual harvest. Direct press. Fermentation and 9 months aging on the full lees in a 1200l old German oak barrel.
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Max Dexheimer & his partner Marika Tikas
Vineyard area: 10 hectares, estate-owned
Vineyard management: certified organic
Soils: limestone, loess, clay
Main varietals: Riesling, Pinot Noir, Weissburgunder, Sylvaner
Winemaking: manual harvest, spontaneous fermentation only. Vinification in traditional German Stückfass barrels (1200l) or old oak barrels of different sizes (350 to 2,400 liters). Traditional method for sparkling Hannes Brut Nature. No fining, no filtration, only minimum sulfur addition if needed (10ppm max)
Annual production (approx.): 40,000 bottles
- Max is a 5th generation winemaker – the winery in Saulheim was founded by his great-grandfather in 1896, and the family still makes a bit of wine under the historic Walldorf label. The family also runs a traditional restaurant that carries the same name and is presided over by Max’s 90-year-old grandmother.
- Supported by his father, Max is gradually overtaking the family vineyards and changing the direction into completely natural winemaking (while his father is getting ideas from Max as well, such as making pet-nats).
- Another great support in Max’s life and in the winemaking process is his partner Marika – an Estonian sommelier and entrepreneur who came for the harvest and stayed because of love.
- Max is part of a close, mutually-inspired circle of friends including other exciting young German winemakers Andi Weigand, Andi Mann and Martin Worner aka Marto, all classmates from the famous Geisenheim University.
- The intriguing labels are all cut out of one big painting made by Max’s friend, representing the energy that he’s feeling when working in the vineyards.
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