Nestled in the heart of the Rheingau, in the charming village of Hattenheim near Oestrich-Winkel, lies Weingut Barth – a family-run estate that beautifully bridges tradition and innovation in German winemaking. My recent visit, guided by the passionate Marketing Manager Janna, offered an intimate glimpse into this VDP member winery, renowned for its exceptional sparkling wines (Sekt) crafted using the traditional method.
Weingut Barth’s story is one of postwar resilience and sparkling ambition. Founded in the 1940s by Hans Barth, the estate truly ignited its fizz under Norbert – Christine Barth’s father – who pioneered traditional-method Sekt production in the Rheingau. Today, Mark Barth, a Geisenheim-trained visionary and self-styled “Riesling Master,” being their core focus, helms the winemaking alongside his wife Christine. Their philosophy is to craft Sekts that radiate “inner peace” through patient, natural vinification, capturing the soul of historic vineyards with refreshing innovation. Germans may have reduced wine consumption dramatically but the sparkling wine consumption remains strong.
Spanning around 20 hectares of organically farmed slopes – including crown jewels like the VDP.Grosse Lage Hattenheimer Hassel and VDP.Erste Lage Schützenhaus – the estate is a Riesling stronghold (over 80% of plantings), complemented by Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), and bold experiments like Cabernet Sauvignon. Biodiversity thrives here: wild herbs and flowers dance between rows, hand-harvesting ensures perfection, and vegan practices honor the land for generations to come.
What sets Barth apart is their devotion to Sekt as art. “Sparkling, Family Tradition – Open Minded,” Janna, our host and hospitality representative beamed, encapsulating their ethos. All Sekts are vintage-dated, born from traditional bottle fermentation with extended sur lie aging – the longest now stretching to five years for upcoming Wisselbrunnen Grosse Gewächs releases from 2023. Producing about 60,000 bottles annually, they currently disgorge by hand, riddling on pupitres (some whimsically hand-painted with Picasso-inspired motifs). Next year brings automation to scale their magic without compromise. All sparklings are vintage, but only declared with the single vineyards, much easier from the processing point of view for Barth and their clients.
A delightful detour: the collaborative “Riegel” spirit (echoing partnerships in the region), where growers pool premium grapes for communal bases, each imprinting their unique label – a testament to Rheingau’s shared pursuit of excellence.
The pinnacle was the tasting in their award-winning vinotheque, where Barth’s style unfolded like a masterpiece: mineral-laced freshness, creamy depth from lees, and gastronomic allure that dances on the palate.
Standouts from their vast range:
- Riesling Brut 2022 – A mineral-driven thrill: fresh, tart lemon and apple citrus exploding with vitality after 24 months sur lie.
- Riesling Extra Brut 2021 – Yeast-kissed nose yielding creamy decadence; tart green apple, citrus, toast, almond, and an unyielding mineral spine. Pure poetry.
- Fleur de Blanc 2023 (Scheurebe) – Exotic floral symphony: lemon, minerals, apple, yellow grapefruit, mango, and star fruit after 11 months sur lie.
- Pinot Blanc Brut 2022 – Zesty allure with lemon zest, yellow plum, peach, pear, gravelly minerality, raw almond, and toasty bread.
- Brut Pinot Rosé 2022 (Pinot Noir) – 36 months sur lie (half in large oak): fresh red currant, strawberry-raspberry compote, minerals, vanilla cream, nuts. At 8.9g/L, it’s flawlessly woven.
The prestige lineup? Transcendent.
- Barth Ultra 2018 (100% Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs) – Oak-aged, 60 months sur lie, Brut Nature with label printed on glass. Janna called it “a warm hug on a rainy day” – savory mushrooms, umami depths, berries, vanilla, blood orange, toasted almonds, spicy minerals. Gastronomic bliss.
- Schützenhaus Riesling Brut Nature 2019 (VDP.Erste Lage) – An electrifying wake-up: honeyed peach, yellow plum, umami nectarine, toast, nuts, saline ginger spice. Demands attention.
- Hassel Riesling Brut Nature 2017 (VDP.Grosse Lage) – Five years sur lie, full oak influence: tea-like autolysis, compote, honeycomb, ginger sultanas. Broad-shouldered yet tightly mineral – profound.
- Pinot Noir Brut 2019 – 48 months sur lie: earthy spice, peppery, fine bubbles, impeccable balance. A food lover’s dream.
- Pet Nat 2023 (Cabernet Sauvignon) – Audacious: bell pepper, bramble, blackberry, licorice, earthy tannins in harmonious rebellion.
From vibrant entry-level sparks to prestige profundity, Barth’s Sekts aren’t mere drinks – they’re terroir-kissed elixirs that rival the world’s finest, blending tradition with fearless innovation. As Janna reflected, eyes sparkling: “We’re a family pouring heart into every bubble.”
If your soul craves bubbles that captivate, evoke, and elevate, seek out Weingut Barth. One sip, and you’ll be enchanted forever.
