Van Volxem
A benchmark for dry Rieslings in the Saar.
Located in the historic village of Wiltingen, Van Volxem is one of the most iconic wineries in the Saar Valley, a tributary of the Mosel. This region is defined by its dramatic slate slopes planted with riesling and a continental climate even cooler than the rest of the Mosel.
The estate’s origins date back to the 3rd century, when the Romans first planted vines. Over the centuries, the vineyards came under the stewardship of various religious orders, including the Jesuits. In 1999, Roman Niewodniczanski — heir to the Bitburger brewing family — acquired and restored the estate under its original name, investing heavily in both its architectural and viticultural heritage.
The Vineyards
Van Volxem cultivates 90 hectares of organically certified vineyards across the steep, south-facing slopes of the Saar — one of Germany’s most historic and distinctive wine regions. The estate’s holdings include several of the valley’s crown-jewel crus: Scharzhofberger, Bockstein, Altenberg, and Wiltinger Gottesfuß, the latter boasting ungrafted, over-100-year-old riesling vines that are among the oldest in the region.
These parcels, all classified as Grosse Lage (the German equivalent of Grand Cru), are defined by their extreme gradients, excellent solar exposure and the Saar’s signature Devonian slate soils — a mix of grey, red and volcanic-origin slate that naturally limits yields and enhances mineral tension. Altitudes range from 150 to over 300 metres, contributing to long, slow ripening and remarkable aromatic precision.
The estate works primarily with riesling, the region’s noble variety, complemented by small plots of pinot blanc and pinot noir. Many vineyards are planted at high density and include significant proportions of old vines (Alte Reben), delivering low yields and exceptional extract. Farming is strictly organic, with an emphasis on soil vitality, biodiversity and manual work on the dramatic slopes. Together, these factors shape wines that combine purity, depth and the unmistakable Saar finesse.
Winemaking Philosophy
Winemaking at Van Volxem is designed to harness gravity and preserve the integrity of the fruit. Fermentations are spontaneous, carried out with native yeasts in traditional wooden vats, following a low-intervention philosophy. The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum throughout the process.
Van Volxem has established itself as the leading producer of dry Rieslings in the Saar, crafting wines defined by purity, minerality, and tension — built to age gracefully over decades.
Van Volxem Wines
Tipo:
Van Volxem Scharzhofberger GG 2022
