2_1_DiscoverGermany_May 2015_Issue26:Scan Magazine 1
27/4/15
15:01
Page 50
Every future needs a past Almost four hundred years of family traditions form the basis for this exceptional winery. Since 1650 the Petershof in Alzey-Schafhausen has been the home of typical Rhine-Hessian wines. The knowledge about the soil, the ideal climate as well as a natural passion for wine has been passed on from one generation to the next. Portrait: Stefan Kuhn
TEXT: MERYEM HAUER | PHOTOS: PETERSHOF WINERY
Since 2010 the Petershof winery has been run by the 13th generation of the family, with Stefan and Johanna Kuhn now successfully maintaining the estate as a beautiful home for quality wines. Over the last five years the vineyard, located in AlzeySchafhausen, been carefully modernised while upholding strict respect for the traditional spirit of this historic estate. The terroir surrounding Petershof is characterised by a high lime content, which both heats up easily and stores sufficient water. All the vineyards are situated in a magnificent south-facing setting and the sun helps to develop the outstanding grape flavours. As a result of these ideal conditions, classic wines (Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir and Merlot) as well as certain Rhine-Hessian specialties (Scheurebe, Huxelrebe, Silvaner, Rivaner and Pinot Meunier) form
50 | Issue 26 | May 2015
the basis of their portfolio. The life of a winemaker is indeed a full-time job, as the grapes are very sensitive to environmental influences and need careful treatment as well as a natural level of nutrients. The fermentation processes are individually tailored to the grape varieties to ensure their full potential. Since taking over responsibility for the estate, Stefan Kuhn and his family have enhanced the production facilities. With new stainless steel tanks, the wines’ maturation process is temperature controlled. For the final touches, wooden and barrique barrels are used to create a unique taste. The Petershof winery manufactures authentic Rhine-Hessian wines, with whites wines characterised by their full-bodied and fruity taste, while the red wines have a fruity-toned note with a delicate and smooth finish.
The annual Hoffest attracts wine-lovers from all over Germany and Stefan Kuhn regularly updates the winery’s blog with their latest news. Visitors are always warmly welcomed at their wine tasting sessions and participating in a tour through their vineyards is a popular pastime. The Petershof is conveniently located thirty minutes from Frankfurt and just forty-five minutes from the Rhine-Mainarea. It is also possible to order a sample package of selected wines for personal wine tastings at home. “Tradition is not to preserve the ashes, but to pass on the flame.”(attributed to Gustav Mahler) www.petershof-wein.de www.petershof-blog.de