Tracing the Vines of Time – Weingut August Kesseler’s Storied History and Wine Portfolio

Tracing the Vines of Time – Weingut August Kesseler’s Storied History and Wine Portfolio

In the sun-kissed embrace of the Rheingau region in Germany, Weingut August Kesseler stands as a venerable monument to the art of winemaking. As we journey through the annals of time, the roots of this esteemed winery reveal a narrative steeped in tradition, family, and an unyielding commitment to producing wines that reflect the essence of the region.

A Legacy Rooted in 1924

The tale of Weingut August Kesseler commences in 1924, when August Kesseler, the visionary founder, planted the first vines in the hallowed soils of Rheingau. Augmented by a profound love for winemaking and an acute understanding of the region’s terroir, August Kesseler set the stage for a legacy that would endure for generations.

Situated along the banks of the Rhine River, Weingut August Kesseler’s vineyards benefit from a unique terroir characterised by a mosaic of soils. From loamy expanses to mineral-rich slopes, each parcel imparts a distinct character to the grapes grown there. This diversity is the heartbeat of the winery, allowing the cultivation of an array of grape varieties that thrive in the microclimates of the Rheingau.

The Grape Symphony

Weingut August Kesseler orchestrates a symphony of grape varieties, each contributing to the rich tapestry of their wine portfolio. Among the whites, the noble Riesling takes centre stage. Revered for its ability to convey the nuances of the terroir, Weingut August Kesseler’s Rieslings range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, a testament to the family’s mastery over this iconic grape.

Weingut August Kesseler

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On the red side, the Spätburgunder, known globally as Pinot Noir, emerges as the protagonist. Weingut August Kesseler’s commitment to coaxing out the best from this finicky grape results in red wines that balance elegance with robustness. The Pinot Noir, nurtured on mineral-rich slopes, unveils itself in a spectrum of expressions, from delicately fruity to intensely structured.

A Tapestry of Wines

The Weingut August Kesseler cellar is a treasure trove of meticulously crafted wines. The flagship Riesling wines, crisp and vivacious, embody the essence of the Rheingau. The red wines, particularly the Spätburgunder Reserve, showcase the family’s expertise in producing reds of unparalleled finesse.

Beyond the classics, the estate’s portfolio expands to include limited-edition releases and innovative blends. The Eiswein, a lusciously sweet dessert wine crafted from naturally frozen grapes, is a testament to the family’s willingness to explore new dimensions in winemaking.

Sowing the Seeds of Sustainability

Weingut August Kesseler’s commitment to sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the winery. From organic vineyard practices to minimal intervention in the cellar, the family ensures that each bottle reflects not only the terroir but also a conscientious approach to viticulture. This dedication to sustainability ensures that the vines, the soil, and the environment continue to thrive for future generations.

Passing the Torch

As time flows like the Rhine, Weingut August Kesseler stands as a testament to the seamless transition of winemaking expertise from one generation to the next. The winery is now in the capable hands of the third and fourth generations of the Kesseler family, ensuring that the legacy crafted by August Kesseler himself endures with undiminished brilliance.

In essence, the history of Weingut August Kesseler is not merely a chronicle of vintages but a narrative of passion, resilience, and an unshakeable commitment to crafting wines that resonate with the spirit of the Rheingau.

August Kesseler was just 19 years old when he took over his parent’s business, which was established in 1924. Traditionally, the vineyard spanned little over six acres and produced largely quantity wine. Today, under August’s direction, the estate has established a strong international reputation and grown to become one of the Rheingau region’s flagship producers. The 80-acre estate has vines situated in some of the best settings in the Rheingau, including Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen, Assmannshäuser Höllenberg, Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg, Lorchhäuser Seligmacher. They are members of the German Barrique-Forum and the VDP, and they make 60% Riesling and 40% Pinot Noir.

August produce the following classified vineyards VDP Erste Lage Rüdesheim Berg Roseneck, Rüdesheim Drachenstein and Rüdesheim Frankenthal

The Vineyards: Nature’s Canvas

The story of Weingut August Kesseler begins in the vineyards, where the family’s commitment to quality is evident in every meticulously tended vine. The careful balance between traditional and modern viticultural practices ensures that the grapes mature to perfection. From pruning to canopy management, every step is a testament to the family’s intimate knowledge of their vines.

Situated on steeply sloped terraces, the estate’s locations face west and southwest, making them perfect for creating distinctive wines. Slate-phyllite, which stores heat, is where the Assmanshäuser Höllenberg is situated.
Since Spätburgunder wines have been made here for many years, the soil’s porosity and microclimate are particularly favourable to their production. The grapes for Kesseler’s traditional Spätburgunder wine, which has a strong concentration of concentrated fruit scents, come from Höllenberg’s primary vineyard site. The Rüdesheim hills’ worn slate, along with their steep slopes, warm temperatures between grape rows, and porous soils, result in Riesling wines that have vibrant yet balanced acidity, superb subtlety, and intense fruit flavours.

Harvesting the Essence

As the grape clusters ripen under the German sun, the harvest season beckons. At Weingut August Kesseler, the harvest is a manual labour of love. Hand-picking ensures that only the healthiest and ripest grapes find their way to the cellar. This hands-on approach, a nod to tradition, is a crucial chapter in the winemaking story, capturing the very essence of the vineyards.

The Cellar: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Stepping into the winery’s cellar is a journey into the alchemy of winemaking. Oak barrels and stainless steel tanks stand side by side, each vessel playing a unique role in shaping the final wines. The family’s commitment to traditional winemaking techniques is evident in the use of oak barrels for ageing the red wines, imparting complexity and structure.

Innovation, however, is not overlooked. Temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks are employed for precise control during fermentation, preserving the freshness and vibrancy of the whites. This meticulous balance between tradition and innovation is the hallmark of Weingut August Kesseler’s winemaking approach.

A two-story wine cellar that was excavated out of the slate of the Assmanshäuser Höllenberg in 1793 is where the Kesseler wines mature. Fermentation is best done in a cellar with low temperatures.

Blending and Bottling: Crafting the Symphony

Weingut August Kesseler’s winemaking artistry reaches its zenith during the blending process. The cellar becomes a laboratory, where different lots are carefully tasted and combined to create wines that transcend individual varietals. The family’s discerning palates guide this process, ensuring that each blend harmonises with the overarching philosophy of the estate.

Bottling is the crescendo of this symphony. Each bottle is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and passion that go into every vintage. From the flagship Rieslings to the nuanced Spätburgunder Reserve, each wine is an ambassador of the Rheingau, encapsulating the terroir in liquid form.