The vintner Michael Teschke employed a unique rating system for his wines, using “Qualitätsärschen” (Quality of asses) instead of conventional stars. This unconventional approach has established him as a well-kept secret in the wine scene of Rheinhessen.
Situated in Gau-Algesheim, in the northern region of Rheinhessen, Michael and Sylvia Teschke oversee a seven-hectare vineyard, featuring some vines that have thrived for over 45 years. Teschke, a maverick in the world of winemaking, prefers to swim against the current. At the age of 39, he passionately dedicates himself to nurturing Sylvaner, always spelled with a ‘y,’ and the Portuguese grape varieties. These two grapes have long suffered from an unjust reputation in Germany and particularly in Rheinhessen.
Contrary to common perception, Teschke’s meticulously crafted vintages consistently demonstrate their quality. This achievement hinges on the deliberate reduction of crop yield and the careful maturation of wines in a historic cellar that dates back over 500 years, once part of a monastery. In addition to Sylvaner and Portugieser, Teschke also cultivates Riesling, Weißburgunder, Grauburgunder, Lemberger, and Spätburgunder, earning him recognition as a hidden gem among the emerging elite winemakers in Rheinhessen.
Originally hailing from East Prussia, the Teschke family’s journey led them to Rheinhessen after expulsion and displacement, where they established a diversified farming enterprise encompassing agriculture, livestock breeding, and vineyards. Following his father’s passing, Michael Teschke, who had completed an officer’s course at the Bundeswehr leadership academy in Hamburg, assumed control of the estate. He made the bold decision to cease farming and livestock breeding activities, concentrating his efforts on expanding the winemaking venture. Today, the individualistic winemaker, distinguished by his signature ponytail, proudly poses the question: Who else can offer wines with such a distinctive “quality” label?
The End of Michaels wines?
Unfortunatly Michael shut down his winery.
Here is an open letter (in German) to Heiner Lobenberg about the reasons to sell his vineyards.
Address: Laurenziberg 14, 55435 Gau-Algesheim, Germany
