Christophe Wolber and Alexandre Götze have honed their skills at some of Burgundy's top biodynamic estates. Alex spent nearly a decade at Pierre Morey and De Montille, where he now serves as chef de culture (vineyard manager), while Christophe gained experience working at renowned estates such as Leflaive, Bernhard van Berg, Domaine de la Vougeraie, and Comte Armand. Their first vintage in 2016 was a remarkably successful debut, demonstrating that such quality could hardly have been achieved by chance.
Wasenhaus Grand Ordinaire Spätburgunder 2023 is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, using whole clusters and undergoing carbonic maceration for around 12 days. The grapes are gently pressed with minimal extraction, and fermentation is completed in a combination of stainless steel vats and barrels. After a brief aging period, the wine is bottled without additives or sulfur. Due to the extended aging before bottling, the fruitiness is preserved, but the wine is slightly more serious than before. The aroma features herbal tea, hibiscus, and lavender.
Wasenhaus is one of the rising stars of the German wine scene, particularly known for its exceptional Pinot Noirs (Spätburgunder) and Chardonnays. Founded in 2016 by Christoph Wolber and Alexander Götze, Wasenhaus is located in Baden, a region in southern Germany that is increasingly being recognized for its potential to produce world-class wines. What makes Wasenhaus stand out is the founders’ deep-rooted experience in Burgundy, where both Christoph and Alexander worked at prestigious biodynamic estates before returning to their native Germany to establish their own winery. The philosophy at Wasenhaus is centered around natural winemaking and showcasing the unique terroir of Baden. The winery is committed to organic farming practices, avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals in the vineyard, and opting for a minimalist approach in the cellar. Their vineyards, spread across different terroirs, consist mainly of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with the cool climate and diverse soils providing the perfect conditions for these Burgundian varieties. Wasenhaus’ wines are made with a hands-off philosophy. The grapes are harvested by hand, and fermentation is spontaneous, relying on natural yeasts. For their red wines, including their acclaimed Spätburgunder, they often use whole-cluster fermentation, which adds structure and complexity to the wines. Aging is done in used French oak barrels, imparting a gentle influence of oak while allowing the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir to shine through. The result is wines that are fresh, elegant, and deeply expressive of their origin. Wasenhaus’ Pinot Noirs are often compared to fine Burgundy, with a delicate balance of fruit, acidity, and earthy minerality. The Chardonnays, too, have gained a following for their precision, minerality, and complexity, with some cuvées showing a creamy texture balanced by vibrant acidity.