Bianka and Daniel took over the Weingut Schmitt in 2012 as the fourth generation to lead the winery. They are based in Wonnegau in the south Rheinhessen, centered in Flörsheim-Dalsheim. All of the vineyards are in Flörsheim-Dalsheim and neighbor villages Monsheim and Kriegsheim. Bianka and Daniel have been working their 16 hectares biodynamically for over a decade and are one of only 80 producers in Germany to be Demeter certified. They work with amphorae as well as used oak barrels and release a ‘Natur’ line that contains no added sulphur.

Here are Bianka and Daniel in their own words:

“Working biodynamically is a lifestyle that includes producing and spreading preparations in the vineyards as well as social interactions. The interactions between the life in the soil (like bacteria, mykorizen, plants as green cover and the vines) are composed with each other. Vines become stronger and get more vitality from a living soil, not from chemical treatments.

This active interaction in the soil life, the mutual strengthening of the plants result in stronger resilience for the vines which reflects the high quality of the grape, supports the presence of the individual soil types (calcareous soil covered by clay and partly loess, pebble). By working according to the biodynamic principles, biodiversity is supported as an automatic successor. As a result, the vineyards and the biotopes created by Bianka and Daniel offer a home for a diverse and local animal community.

After hand picking, the grapes are processed with or without skin maceration. And rest in wooden oaks (5000L, 3000L, 1200L, 600L) or clay amphorae (1200L, 300L) for at least 12 months on the whole yeast depot. The focus is on offering an optimal aging potential for the years to come. In order to support the collegial exchange and to enable operational training in the field of biodynamic agriculture, Bianka and Daniel and their winery are proud members of the Renaissance des Appellations, Demeter and Vinnatur associations.”

As with all our producers, we will be donating part of the proceeds from sales to a non-profit close to our heart. For DB Schmitt wines, we have chosen to donate to the Edmonton Cold Weather Animal Rescue Society. Please check them out.

Blaufränkisch

12% ABV

Vinification:

100% Blaufränkisch from Frauenberg of Nieder- Flörsheim and Kriegsheimer Rosengarten. Late harvest in October. 3 weeks maceration on the skins. Only carefully mashed twice and bottled unfiltered after 12 months.

Tasting notes:

Spicy and complex, but with very light fruit and soft tannins.

SKU: 136009 | 6 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork

Pinot Noir

11.5% ABV

Vinification:

2 weeks fermentation on the skins. Matured in 2400L oak barrel on the gross lees.

Tasting notes:

Sour cherries and pomegranate intertwined with fragrant wild herbs and a hint of undergrowth, velvety tannins and a delicate acidity

SKU: 136014 | 6 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork

Freiheit Red

Blaufränkisch, Merlot and Spätburgunder

12.5% ABV

Vinification:

Blaufränkisch, Merlot and Spätburgunder are

pressed after a few hours maceration and left

to rest on the gross lees.

Tasting notes:

Fresh cherry and raspberry notes complemented by subtle herbal nuances.

SKU: 136011 | 6 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork

Freiheit Weiss

Scheurebe, Huxelrebe, Grauburgunder, Riesling and Silvaner

10.5% ABV

Vinification:

The Freiheit Weiß is a blend of five different grapes. The grapes of Scheurebe and Huxelrebe macerate for about a week and half on the skins, while theGrauburgunder, Riesling and Silvaner went directly to the press with whole cluster.

Tasting notes:

The nose shows gooseberries, bright flowers and ripe apple. On the palate it is fresh and light, with a beautiful texture.

SKU: 136009 | 6 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork

Freiheit Riesling

Riesling

11.5% ABV

Vinification:

Grapes are from 35 year old vines - Schist soils. Slow pneumatic press and fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged for 12 and 24 months in old Alsatian foûdres before bottling unfiltered, unfined and with no added SO2.

Tasting notes:

Passion fruit, pineapple, but also gooseberries and ripe yellow pears.

SKU: 136017 | 6 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork

Freiheit Rose Fizz

Portugieser, Merlot, and Pinot Noir

11% ABV

Vinification:

Whole cluster pressing of Portugieser, Merlot and Pinot Noir grapes. After the first fermentation the wine matured for 6 months. The second fermentation happened in a pressure tank, which carried our bubbles for 3 months.

Tasting notes:

Grapefruit and strawberry flavours. Fruity, crisp, always perfect!

SKU: 136012 | 6 to a case | 750ml, glass, crown cap

Erdreich

Scheurebe, Muskateller

10.5% ABV

Vinification:

Made of 50% Scheurebe and 50% Muskateller from Frauenberg. Both varieties spent separated 1.5 weeks on skins, than after gentle pressing the wine aged in 1200L oak barrels.

Tasting notes:

Elderflower, peach, and lychee, accented by subtle hints of melon and rose.

SKU: 136016 | 6 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork

Wild Pony

Grauburgunder, Riesling, Silvaner and Gelber Muskateller

11.5% ABV

Vinification:

Grauburgunder, Riesling, Silvaner and Gelber Muskateller. 3-weeks of skin contact. Matured for 15 months in old barriques and thereof 6 months under the flor yeasts (“sous voile”).

Tasting notes:

This wine is aromatic and textural, offering a bouquet of ripe vineyard peaches, orange zest, and honey. On the palate, it has a mix of ripe stone fruits, floral notes, all underscored by a saline minerality. The wine is refreshing yet complex, with a balanced acidity and a lingering finish.

SKU: 136015 | 6 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork

Riesling Sparkling Prestige Brut Nature

Riesling

12%

Vinification:

100 % Riesling from the Goldberg of Nieder- Flörsheim. The grapes are pressed directly. 10 months of fermentation and maturation in a Georgian amphora with a capacity of 1000L, 30 months in the bottle. Méthode Traditionelle. Zero dosage.

Tasting notes:

It has a warm, spicy aroma with hints of apple and apricot. On the palate, it is lively, elegant, and has a wonderfully long finish and the perfect alternative to champagne

SKU: 137324 | 6 to a case | 750ml, glass, cork