Moselle, Germany
Weingut von Othegraven
This iconic winery is located directly on the banks of the Saar, at the foot of the dramatically steep Kanzemer Altenberg vineyard. Currently owned by the Jauch family, von Othegraven is one of Germany’s best white wine producers, with characterful Rieslings that showcase the traits of every vineyard.
Günther Jauch is the television presenter best known for hosting the German version of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’. He and his wife Thea took over von Othegraven in 2010. The winery has remained family-owned since 1805, because Jauch’s grandmother was Elsa von Othegraven. Jauch, a household name among television viewers, now represents the seventh generation of the family dynasty.
Preserving the family legacy
Jauch bought von Othegraven out of a sense of duty and not because he saw the winery as a showbiz accessory. He wanted to preserve the family legacy, because it looked like the estate was going to be sold off and liquidated. Recalling that he had often played as a child in the estate’s park-like grounds, he prevented the sale at the very last moment. Jauch has since grown into his role at the helm of this Saar property, keen to absorb a world that he previously knew nothing about (as he himself admits). His wife and experienced team provide him with all the support he needs.
Keeping iconic vineyards healthy and chemical-free
Kanzemer Altenberg, the winery’s principal vineyard, is one of the steepest and longest of all steep vineyard slopes anywhere in the world. Wawerner Herrenberger, Ockfener Bockstein and Wiltinger Kupp are the other exceptional sites in which von Othegraven has holdings. Soil health and biodiversity are key to unlocking these distinctive terroirs, which is why the estate eschews the use of herbicides and insecticides. Von Othegraven has also been a member of Fair’n Green since 2014, in recognition of the importance of sustainable winemaking.
“We respect what nature gives us; we shepherd the wines and give them the time and space they need.”
Weingut von Othegraven
Wines from this producer
Germany
Moselle
The steep banks of the Mosel are home to mineral-driven, elegant wines. Riesling, sometimes referred to as the king (or queen) of white wines, is the most important grape along the German stretch of the Mosel Valley, accounting for over 5,300 hectares under vine. This makes the Mosel wine region the largest producer of Riesling worldwide.
