Daniel and Frederike are cultivating joy on their 3ha farm in the idyllic Uhlbach, a serene valley to the east of Stuttgart. Their journey began in 2020 when this dynamic duo decided to embark on a new adventure, breaking away from the local cooperative. Now, two years later, they've blossomed into a fully independent winery, crafting around 5000 bottles of delightful natural wine per hectare.
Their philosophy? It's not about impressing; it's about expressing. Using a blend of simple techniques and intuitive farming, Daniel and Frederike take a hands-off approach (accompanied by one very old tractor) and let the wine tell its own story. With natural sprays and stone powders, they're gently transitioning the vines away from the chemical inputs of the past. Patience is key, as they understand that radical changes could lead to a collapse.
In Daniel's own words, "biodiversity is our most powerful workmate." The duo understands the significance of healthy soils and robust plants (yes, even the weeds) in creating a harmonious ecosystem that they wholeheartedly support.
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Now, let's talk about their enchanting creation, the MiniFizz. It's a jubilant field blend featuring Chardonnay, Weissburgunder, Kerner, Silvaner, Riesling, Trollinger, Lemberger, Merlot & Zweigelt, all dancing together in perfect harmony.
Harvested as a united front, these grapes undergo a direct press and spontaneous co-fermentation, resulting in a magical concoction. After three months of maturation in fiberglass, the MiniFizz is bottled, capturing the remaining CO2 from its lively fermentation.
This whimsical experiment yields only 120 bottles, a testament to the joyful spirit and creativity that Daniel and Frederike infuse into their winemaking. Cheers to their small-scale masterpiece!