Weingut A. Christmann in Gimmeldingen is one of the defining family estates of the Pfalz. Its vineyards in the Mittelhaardt are farmed biodynamically, and they give precise, dry Riesling and elegant Spätburgunder, from the Aus den Lagen Riesling up to the Grosses Gewächs from Idig and Meerspinne.
A. Christmann: family estate and biodynamic pioneer in the Pfalz
The Christmann family has made wine in Gimmeldingen for generations. Today Steffen Christmann runs the estate together with his daughter Sophie Christmann. Steffen served for many years as president of the VDP, the association of Germany's leading wine estates, during exactly the years when its vineyard classification was being built. Sophie studied at Geisenheim and worked at wineries around the world before coming home to take charge of the winemaking.
The move to biodynamic farming began in the early 2000s. The estate is certified and a member of Respekt-BIODYN. The aim is healthy, living soils and wines that clearly show where they come from, which is why the word Bio appears on so many of the labels.
Idig, Meerspinne and the great Christmann vineyards of the Mittelhaardt
Königsbacher Idig is the estate's flagship, a VDP.Grosse Lage on limestone-rich soil. It gives one of the most sought-after Rieslings in the Pfalz and a Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs with depth and fine structure. Idig Riesling comes in several vintages and in magnum, and it needs a few years in the cellar to show its best.
Meerspinne is a parcel within the Mandelgarten in Gimmeldingen, recorded as early as 1456 and now seen as the village's finest site. Its Riesling is sunnier and spicier than Idig. Vogelsang is another Riesling Grosses Gewächs, and on the red side there is the Schild Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs. Tasted side by side, these wines show how much soil and site can change the same grape over just a few kilometres.
Erste Lage and Aus den Lagen: Christmann Riesling and Spätburgunder
Below the Grosses Gewächs sit the wines from VDP.Erste Lage sites. Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad and Kapellenberg are juicy, mineral Rieslings that already drink well young. Gimmeldinger Biengarten, Königsbacher Ölberg and Mussbacher Eselshaut give Spätburgunder with red fruit, spice and light, fine tannins. Aus den Lagen is a blend from the estate's vineyards, made as both Riesling and Spätburgunder, and the best way into the house style.
Alongside the dry wines, nobly sweet Riesling turns up now and then, such as the Königsbacher Idig Trockenbeerenauslese in half bottle. The family is also behind the sparkling wine house Christmann & Kauffmann, a separate estate with wines of its own.
Frequently asked questions about Weingut A. Christmann
Where is Weingut A. Christmann?
In Gimmeldingen near Neustadt an der Weinstraße in the Pfalz. The vineyards lie in the villages of the Mittelhaardt, among them Gimmeldingen, Königsbach and Ruppertsberg. More wines from the country are under Germany.
What does Grosses Gewächs mean on a Christmann Riesling?
Grosses Gewächs is the VDP term for a dry wine from a Grosse Lage, the top tier of its vineyard classification. At Christmann that includes Riesling from Idig, Meerspinne and Vogelsang and Spätburgunder from Idig and Schild. See more under Grosses Gewächs.
Are Christmann wines organic?
Yes. The estate is farmed biodynamically and certified, which is why many of the wines carry Bio in their name.
How long can a Christmann Riesling GG age?
A Grosses Gewächs from Idig or Meerspinne develops well over ten years and more. Erste Lage and Aus den Lagen can be enjoyed young, but they also benefit from a few years of bottle age.