about us
Rinke wines - organic viticulature on limestone and slate
In 2006, the career changers, Marion and Alexander Rinke, took over vineyards in a location in the Langsurer Brüderberg that almost no one knew about at the time. "Im Galgenberg" is the name of the steep, partly terraced area of 2.5 hectares between Igel and Wasserbillig (just before Luxembourg). A fallow gem on shell limestone, with great potential. The duo revived this gem, which was previously planted with Elbling, cleared it completely and replanted it with Chardonnay, predominantly old Burgundian genetics, and a few additional vines (including Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Gewürztraminer).
"Field Blend!" ("Gemischter Satz")
This leads to the “Mixed Set” or mixed set from the Langsurer Brüderberg. The wines obtained in this way from the Langsurer Brüderberg are reminiscent of Chablis and other appellations in northern Burgundy, but without being copies. In every white wine from the Langsurer Brüderberg you can taste the exoticism of the “Mixed Set”, a Chardonnay “with a kick”, so to speak.
In the meantime the vineyard area in the Langsurer Brüderberg has been expanded to include Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder). When it comes to Pinot Noir, the Rinkes also rely on Burgundian clones with the lowest yields.
Grand Crus vineyards on the Saar
Since 2015, the two Rinkes have also been cultivating some steep slopes on the Saar, again with a focus on forgotten Grand Cru single sites. The vineyards on the Saar in the Oberemmeler Altenberg, Wiltinger Klosterberg and Wiltinger Braunfels have a high population of old vines which are between 55 and 60 years old. Their genetic diversity, coupled with low yields, are a guarantee for top-class wines in a typical Saar style. The Saar wines from Marion and Alex Rinke (mainly Riesling, but also Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and the very rare Frühburgunder (Pinot Madeleine / Pinot Noir Précoce) are characterized by excitement, finesse and elegance. As one of very few wineries of the Moselle Marion and Alex Rinke cultivate vines on shell limestone and slate. Limestone meets slate. Two worlds on the Moselle, each fascinating in its own way.
This is us
"That can't be everything in our lives," thought Marion and Alex Rinke when, as career changers, they laid the foundation for their winery in 2006 by clearing and replanting a forgotten Grand Cru site on Muschelkalk. The two start where many people end. They focus on forgotten Grand Cru vineyards, which they bring to new life with a lot of enthusiasm and passion. Nothing is too difficult for the duo. The two of them do a lot of things differently, precisely because they don't run a winery with a centuries-old tradition, but rather go their own quality-oriented way with fresh ideas. The vineyards are cultivated according to organic principles. The first organic wine will be bottled after organic certification has been achieved in 2024. The two also work minimalistically in the cellar and, if possible, without cellar technical interventions or additives. Therefore, all Rinke wines are naturally vegan. Thay are not "instant wines" made ready for use with all sorts of additives. Rather, it is worth, giving the wines some time in the bottle after bottling. Therefore, if available, the older vintages are the better choice.
Marion and Alex Rinke bring two worlds together on the Moselle - on shell limestone and slate. Anything But Ordinary.
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Dr. Marion Rinke
Marion Rinke is a lawyer by training. Her focus at the winery is social media and marketing. Marion has traveled to many wine-growing regions around the world. She is in constant professional exchange with VINISSSIMA - Women and Wine. Constant “learning by doing” is her strength.
Alexander Rinke
Before entering the wine business, Alex Rinke was an entrepreneur and ran several companies in the areas of drainage technology and safety technology for buildings. He is operationally in charge of the winery. The vineyards and their natural cultivation according to organic principles are his hobby and his passion. Alex feels most comfortable when he is outside with his vines. His other focus is sales. He also takes care of the cellar work together with Marion. Alex also runs the Weinwirtschaft Friedrich-Friedrich-Wilhelm restaurant in Trier on Weberbachstr. 75.