Mega debut
THE PERFECT RIESLING
When Jakob Tennstedt released the 2017 Sterntaucher in 2019, social media surged with praise. Within weeks, all 700 bottles sold out, and had there been a million, they would have flown off the shelves in seconds. Sterntaucher achieved unparalleled fame. This was a mega debut, a wine that transcended expectations—a perfect Riesling crafted in an exceptional style. The clean juice that enthusiasts call wine deserves its accolades. Will Jakob Tennstedt's Rieslings achieve legendary status?
CALL OF THE MOSELLE
Jakob Tennstedt's journey in winemaking embodies passion and dedication. Born in 1986 in Berlin, he honed his skills in the world of star gastronomy and exclusive family-run restaurants. His love for wine blossomed during his studies in Geisenheim and Udine, nurtured further by internships in the Wachau. The call of the Moselle was irresistible, prompting Jakob to return to Berlin and embark on a remarkable winemaking adventure, one that mirrors the uniqueness of his creations.
EVERYTHING CLICKS
His vineyards in Traben-Trabach are striking, yet the wines are nothing short of extraordinary. Each wine is complete and flawlessly balanced, marrying lively acidity with crystalline fruit and spicy nuances, creating an exceptional backdrop of salinity that uplifts the palate. One can easily become enraptured by the expressive typicity of this Riesling, unveiling a captivating bouquet of baked apple, Mirabelle pie, whipped cream, earthy spices, and citrus notes. Each tasting reveals layers of subtly spicy and slightly oxidized flavors of pear and Reine Claude. The finesse and elegance displayed by this wine resonate deeply, reminding us that great wines may vary in aesthetics but share a common essence. Beyond the remarkable craftsmanship lies a profound authenticity that is deeply moving.
GREAT WHITE BURGUNDY
By 2024, Jakob cultivates 1.4 hectares and, perhaps one day, will extend to 2 hectares, with most vines being 50 to 100 years old and nearly half ungrafted. Specifically, Jakob manages 0.7 hectares in Hühnerberg, producing 'Waldportier.' In Ungsberg, he grows 'Musari' on an ancient terraced plot of 0.5 hectares and 'Valke' from a lower plot. He also tends 0.2 hectares in Schlossberg, where 'Mauerfuchs' emerges. Lastly, a small plot called 'Perlmutt' in Taubenhaus vineyard was abandoned after the 2020 harvest due to its demanding nature. Yet, it's a loss; the Perlmut 2020 displays the grace of a great white Burgundy.
HEALTHY BOTRYTIS
Jakob relies on taste and instinct for picking, avoiding measurements at harvest. His wines ferment until perfectly developed, incorporating healthy botrytis in his selections—a remarkable choice. While botrytis can damage some wines, in Jakob's case, it enriches the flavor profile. Ferments take place in large, old barrels for months, sometimes over a year. Jakob tastes continuously, filling the barrel until he deems it ready to bottle, guided by intuition. A wine may mature in the barrel for over two years before being bottled unclarified, unfiltered, and without sulphur.
MOUNTAIN GOATS
From the beginning, Jakob has embraced organic and biodynamic growing, a principle that is vital. Organic certification will apply from the 2022 vintage. He envisions his vineyards as flourishing gardens. Ungsberg (Musari) features birch branches and natural tree trunks guiding the vines rather than traditional stakes. Jakob invites an array of flowers, wild grasses, insects, butterflies, and animals into his vineyards. Only hand-built electric wire fences delineate the boundary between the forest and vineyard. While wild boar and deer are discouraged, black and white mountain goats thrive, helping maintain the land.
STILL
The steep vineyards Jakob nurtures lie in a serene side valley behind Traben-Trarbach. With merely a quiet road and a few scattered structures, the lush forest surrounds the area. When the sun shines, the valley appears idyllic, yet it can darken and pose risks during storms. This silence fosters an emotional resonance that makes the vineyards truly special. Jakob cherishes the solitude, finding peace in his pursuit. His wines are subtle, avoiding shock and excess; even the labels are understated and unembellished. It is remarkable how uniquely individual Jakob and his creations remain.
LANDWEIN DER MOSEL
Jakob's unfiltered and unclarified wines do not conform to the tastes prescribed by the Mosel wine authorities. As a result, they are labeled as 'Landwein der Mosel,' foregoing the ability to claim the village or vineyard name. This label retains the unique quality of Jakob's wines, shining a light on his innovative methods and commitment to authenticity. The 'Landwein der Mosel' designation marks a daring move away from tradition, allowing Jakob to celebrate the distinctive traits of his work. He creatively names his wines after birds or insects that reflect the essence of the vineyard—poetic and subtle, yet profoundly appreciated.
MARLENE
Jakob's journey as a winemaker transcends mere hard work and innovation; it intertwines family, love, and resilience. With unwavering support from his wife and inspiration from his daughter Marlene, each step in his journey grows stronger. This personal touch resonates deeply in every bottle he produces, inviting you to not just taste the wine but become a part of his story. Sharing Jakob Tennstedt's wines is a privilege, as each bottle encapsulates a fragment of this beautiful, personal journey, inviting you to join the venture.
