Reinhold Haart
Estate

Mosel valley
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region
Germany

The Haart family has the longest winemaking tradition in the village of Piesport. As far back as 1382, documents show a certain Johannes Haart owning vineyard property in Piesport and with over 600 years of history behind them, the Haart's have shown a rare dedication and love for wine. During this time they've acquired outstanding vineyard property especially in the famous Goldtröpfchen vineyard.

The village of Piesport was first mentioned in 776, one thousand years before the signing of the declaration of independence. Today, it is not only one of the best known villages in the Mosel valley but also one of the important wine producing centers. Over commercialization of the Piesporter wines in the past 30 ­ 40 years has detracted from Piesport's importance. However, already during Roman time its prominence is evidenced by the largest winemaking facility discovered north of the Alps. In addition, the old Roman road from Mainz first enters the Mosel valley at Piesport. While descending on this road into the valley the Roman poet Ansonius described the Mosel loop at Piesport as a natural amphitheater. In this vast green bowl exist ideal climatic conditions for producing great Mosel Riesling. Piesport was the first village to cultivate the Riesling grape and before the introduction of vineyard names, the designation Piesporter was synonymous with Mosel Riesling.

The Haart estate is located at the foot of the Goldtröpfchen vineyard and right along the banks of the Mosel river. It is five hectares (12.5 acres) in size and is planted 100% to Riesling. By far the largest holdings are in the Piesporter Goldtröpfchen, 1.95 hectares or almost 5 acres. Today the Goldtröpfchen vineyard consists of 67.5 hectares, its size reduced due to horizontal roads cut into the hill (Fluhrbereinigung) to facilitate the harvesting of grapes. With its current size, assuming an average yield, the Goldtröpfchen is capable of producing about 55,000 cases annually. The soil consists of deep, weathered devon slate and the vineyard always has ample supply of water, all preconditions for producing Rieslings that have good structure with potential for a long life. The fruity Goldtröpfchen wines often evolve an abundance of aromas that remind of cassis, peaches and even exotic, tropical fruits.

There are additional holdings in Piesport, Wintrich, Dhron, Trittenheim and Leiwen. Important are the Piesporter Domherr, a small site situated in, but separated from the Goldtröpfchen, that produces wines quite similar to the Goldtröpfchen, and the Wintricher Ohligsberg, a small but outstanding Middle­Mosel site near Brauneberg. The latter has deep weathered slate soil that produces fruity, racy, full bodied wines. Wines from the other vineyards are mostly blended to produce the Reinhold Haart Estate Riesling.

The outside work is accomplished very much with concern for the environment reducing herbicides, insecticides and fungicides to minimum levels without jeopardizing a healthy grape harvest. Yields are always held to a minimum and the harvest is very selective resulting in the high quality of the Haart wines.

Theo Haart is the man in charge today. In the cellar he works reductively and believes in handling his wines as little as possible. The Mosel casks or Fuders are still used as fermenting vessels, but the finished wine is stored in stainless steel or bottled. Theo tries to produce fruity, filigreed Rieslings that offer many years in the bottle to demonstrate their life, character and longevity. Stuart Pigott in his guide to the Great Wines of the Rhine & Mosel '88/89, rates Reinhold Haart as the finest producer in Piesport.

On July 17, 1991 the estate became a member of the Mosel­Saar­Ruwer V.D.P.

Thumbnail Pictures
(click to enlarge):

Owner / winemaker
Theo Haart

the estate

Roman press in the
vineyards

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