Wine Estates in Germany

Gustavshof, Gau-Heppenheim

Andreas Roll

Region:  RHEINHESSEN

Vineyards:  Schlossberg, Pfarrgarten (Gau-Heppenheim), Dittelsheim

Varietals:  Pinot varietals, Riesling, St. Laurent

Owner:   the Roll family

Winemaker:  Andreas Roll

Remarks:  wines produced under strict ecological conditions

The beginnings of the Gustavshof date back to 1924 with Gustav Becker, and developed into the Christmann-Roll estate through inheritance, whereby the founder’s name Gustav is still remembered (a hof translating to farm). Until 1976, mixed agriculture  was more traditional, but then Hans-Jürgen & Jutta Roll focused only on viticulture, and in 2004 the decision was taken to transform the vineyards to organic production. By 2007 the estate had gained the official Bio certification seal according to EU and German legislation. Their son, Andreas, is passionately devoted to  environmental protection and the appreciation of natural resources. He has even installed solar panels to provide power. Modern technology and research allows for less or no chemical help in the vineyards and cellars, lesser use of sulphur dioxide to stabilize the wines, and neither chemical pesticides nor chemical fertilizers are permitted. The objective is to produce wines in natural harmony with the environment. This involves considerably more manual labour for the grower and considerably less yield to restore the natural balance between the soil and the vine. The quality of the wines profits from this natural concentration.

Andreas classifies his qualities without predicate designation, fermenting naturally to dry or international dry-style, and the bottles are sealed with the modern vinolok closure.

click here for estate website