Weingut Mann truly embodies the family-focused, artisanal winemaking spirit. Spearheaded by Andi Mann, the winery is based in the village of Eckelsheim, located in what’s known as Rheinhessen’s ‘Switzerland’ (thanks to its rolling emerald hills and all-around breathtaking landscape). After pursuing studies in economic science, Andi ultimately took the plunge and took over his family winery—which impressively dates back to 1699—where he quickly carved out his natural, low-intervention winemaking path.
Today, the estate comprises 10 hectares of organic and biodynamically-farmed vines, which are cultivated using holistic methods and treatments. Each cuvée produced at Andi’s hands speaks to the unique place of origin from which it comes, with respect for the vineyards’ natural cycles always placed first. The small town of Eckelsheim makes up part of a small circle of wine villages scattered just south of the Wöllstein in the western Rheinhessen. Here, staggering hillsides, sprawling forests, and a combination of volcanic and limestone-heavy soils create optimal conditions for cultivating a number of the region’s signature varieties.
In typical Rheinhessen fashion, Andi works mostly with Riesling, Muller-Thurgau, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Spatburgunder, and a number of other varieties. All harvests are carried out by hand and fermentations are done exclusively with native yeasts. The majority of wines age in large-format oak barrels, and all wines are bottled without fining or filtration, and most see little to no sulfite additions. Clean, lively, and full of personality, these wines are showcasing a whole new side to the vast potential of Germany’s relatively traditional Rheinhessen region.
