In the picturesque town of Obernbreit, nestled in the heart of Germany’s wine country, a young winemaker is making waves with his unique approach to viticulture. Christian Ottenbreit, a name that has begun to resonate among wine enthusiasts, represents a new generation of winemakers who blend tradition with innovation.
At the core of Christian’s craft lies a simple yet profound belief: “Only from excellent grapes come excellent wines.” This mantra is a testament to his commitment to quality, authenticity, and environmental stewardship, underscoring his dedication to producing wines that are both exceptional and sustainable.
Christian’s innovative spirit and dedication to winemaking have not gone unnoticed. His Ottenbreit Long Live Müller-Thurgau 2022 is the proud winner of the Müller-Thurgau Trophy 2023, organized by Falstaff International, a globally published, Vienna-headquartered magazine and media platform dedicated to wine, food, and travel.
From Gerhard Eichelmann, a leading German wine critic and international authority on German wine, Christian receives the prestigious award “Entdeckung des Jahres” (Discovery of the Year), being praised for his exciting collection in “Eichelmann Deutschlands Weine 2024”, Germany’s most extensive and critical wine catalogue.
Not long before Eichelmann, WEIN.PLUS, one of the largest platforms for wine enthusiasts, evaluating and rating more than 130,000 wines and conducting extensive wine tastings annually, also recognizes Weingut Ottenbreit as the “Discovery of the Year.”
To spice it up even more, Shuttle Design Studio, which is proudly responsible for Ottenbreit’s labels, was honored with the “Red Dot Design Award for Packaging 2023.”
Christian’s winemaking style is both impressive and distinctive. He skillfully combines extended maceration and prolonged oak barrel aging to enhance the structure, texture, and aroma of his wines. This approach results in wines that are not only precise and pure but also complex and joyful.
Among the standout offerings are the Ottenbreit – Long Live Muller-Thurgau 2022, which showcases the signature grape of Franconia with its fragrant and mineral profile. Additionally, the Ottenbreit – Hucklkatz Silvaner 2022 is a natural orange wine with notes of citrus, stone fruits, and a savory touch.
For red wine aficionados, the Ottenbreit – Red and Ready to Rumble 2022 is a must-try. It presents a palate of red cherry, currant, and a hint of charred wood, embodying the depth and fruitiness characteristic of the Franken region.
Grauburgunder
Ottenbreit
Muller-Thurgau
Ottenbreit
Christian Ottenbreit’s Sieben Hügel 2022 is a natural red wine that beautifully showcases the Pinot Noir grape’s potential in German Franconia. Aged for 15 months in oak barrels, this wine presents a light hue that belies its complexity.
Upon the first sip, you’re greeted with an inviting bouquet of small red fruits: red cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate, intertwined with a floral freshness evoking images of a vibrant garden in bloom. On the palate, this Pinot Noir unfolds with finesse. The wine’s highly enjoyable nature — each sip unfolding layers of complexity — sets it apart. From its lively fruitiness to its subtle herbal undertones and oaky whiff, every element harmonizes seamlessly, culminating in a wine that captivates from start to finish, maintaining the raw, authentic, and unspoiled beauty that is characteristic of natural wine.
