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The sixth generation of the Gunderloch family continues the prestigious tradition set forth by the founder of Weingut Gunderloch, Carl Gunderloch, who began producing wine in 1890. Our host for our wine experience, Benjamin, met us at the winery tasting room and immediately explained the unique history of the estate and its vineyards. Weingut Gunderloch’s 24 hectares (over 59 acres) of vineyards consist of 85% Riesling vines, with the balance divided among Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and other grape varietals. Nearly half of the vineyards are on steep slopes, taking advantage of the sun's warming rays to assist in the ripening process in this cool continental climate.
The most significant factor that makes Weingut Gunderloch unique is its holdings in the Rothenberg vineyard. This vineyard, classified at the highest quality rating of Grosse Lage® by Germany's VDP, consists of highly unusual coarse red clay slate. This vineyard sits atop the Roter Hang or Red Slope that faces eastward toward the River Rhein. The high iron oxide content of the vineyard’s soil accounts for the extremely bright red color. A fun fact, this vineyard was first mentioned in the text back in 1364 as "in dem Rode."
Throughout the experience, Benjamin poured seven wines as a sampling of the Weingut Gunderloch wine offering. He also gave us a tour of the production facilities and cellar located beneath the tasting room where the winemaker and his crew were busily at work. My favorite wine from the estate was the 2017 Rothemberg Riesling Grosses Gewäches (GG) from the red clay slate soils of the Roter Hang. Benjamin poured the 2017 alongside its current vintage, the 2021, demonstrating the wine's ageing potential, which was a real treat. When I take my notes during wine tastings, I will place a star next to excellent wine. In my opinion, an outstanding wine shows perfect structural balance, pronounced aroma and flavor intensity levels, a long and pleasant length on the palate, great complexity, finesse in the mouth, and demonstrates typical qualities for the type of wine produced. I noted three stars for the 2017 Rothemberg Riesling Grosses Gewäches (GG)! The wine showed a highly pronounced and complex bouquet of steel, petrol, honeysuckle, apples, and flint, with a nearly full body and refreshing acidity. The wine's finish persisted on my palate for almost a minute. I highly recommend it!
Benjamin showed me a walking path behind the winery to experience the Rothenberg vineyard firsthand after the tasting experience. It was the first time I'd seen such bright red soil, and it was a truly fantastic experience. A small sample of the slate somehow found its way back to Zürich. Pro-Tip: If you have the amazing opportunity to hike the Roter Hang, please wear old shoes! The clay retains water, and the resulting mud loves to stain the soles and sides of shoes!
Please check out the YouTube video of our experience here.
Experience Rating: 3 Stars
Brodi’s Rating: 1 Paw Up
Website: https://www.gunderloch.de/
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Experience Vibe: Private Experience, Facilities Tour, Standing Bar Tasting
Reservations Needed: Yes
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