Wasenhaus is a boutique winery in Germany’s Baden region, acclaimed for crafting Burgundian-caliber Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that express a distinct German terroir. Founded in 2016 by Christoph Wolber and Alexander Götze – two winemakers who honed their craft in Burgundy – Wasenhaus has become synonymous with terroir-driven excellence and craftsmanship.
Wolber and Götze first crossed paths in Burgundy while training at iconic domaines. After years of honing their skills at top Burgundy estates, the duo returned to Christoph’s hometown of Staufen in Baden to establish Wasenhaus on his family farm.
Wasenhaus practices sustainable, low-intervention viticulture, letting nature lead. Key practices include:
- Organic & biodynamic farming: All vineyards are farmed organically (no synthetic chemicals) and with biodynamic principles, reflecting an ethos of harmony with nature.
- Old vines & terroir: The estate works with venerable vines rooted in diverse soils – from Burgundy-like limestone to volcanic plots in the Kaiserstuhl.
- Manual care: Every task from pruning to harvest is done by hand, underscoring the belief that meticulous vine-tending yields superior fruit quality.
In the cellar, a low-intervention ethos prevails. Fermentations rely on native yeasts, and wines mature in neutral oak barrels to emphasize purity of fruit. White grapes – chiefly Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc – are gently whole-cluster pressed, and reds (primarily Pinot Noir) ferment in open-top vats; both are then aged in neutral French oak, with no fining or filtration and only minimal sulfur added.
Wasenhaus’s Pinot Noirs are lauded for their elegant lightness and depth, while the white wines balance richness with vibrant acidity – all clearly conveying the character of Baden’s terroir.
Wasenhaus has earned cult status among wine connoisseurs – sommeliers and collectors vie for its limited bottles, which vanish upon release. Critics liken Wasenhaus to Burgundy’s finest while praising the wines’ distinct Baden identity. Wasenhaus is already setting a benchmark for German Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—proof that uncompromising quality and craftsmanship yield world-class wines.
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