From the Mosel region near Bernkastel, Sybille Kuntz is a sixth generation winemaker who initially inherited a half a hectare of vineyards from her father. In 1984, she took over her father’s half acre and bought out her brother’s, and today, she and her husband Markus own 10ha of prime vineyard parcels. As a female vintner in Germany who established her own estate, Sybille is dear friends with opposition and conflict. As a winemaking team that refuses to play by rules of this regional game, Sybille and Markus have redefined the box.
Choosing to make their own style of wine, and not the wine that’s expected of the local Riesling varietal, Sybille originally learned to make wine from her family, wines that were then typical of Mosel, “sweet and cheap”. ”I wanted to do extremely the other side,” she said, conceding that “maybe in the beginning it was too dry.”
Nowadays, Sybille and Markus speak as artists who work with grapes as their medium, interpreting their Riesling to express both it and the grapes’ terroir. Working with vines that are 40-85 years old, Sybille has been farming sustainable and acting biodynamic since 1990.
Despite the original opposition, when other winemakers were puzzled by their efforts, Sybille Kuntz has since won the respect and support of her peers as they’ve witnessed her wines’ success. Recently, the Sybille Kuntz Gold Quadrat Riesling 2009 was placed on the 2011 “Gold List” by the Sommelier Awards. Sybille feels that the acceptance of their wines has inspired others within the region to redefine their purpose. And, for the estates that have only daughters, well perhaps they’ll be less resistant to pass her the family vines.
Regards,
Tom
NY Pricing
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