Bernhard

The Bernhard estate in Frei-Laubersheim is nominally Rheinhessen, but its soils, a complex amalgam of porphyry, quartzite, and loam, bear more resemblance to the Nahe, which is just over the hill. Romans cultivated this ground 1,800 years ago; the Bernhard family has been here twelve generations, arriving as religious refugees from the Spanish Netherlands and purchasing vineyards around 1650. Hartmut Bernhard, the current proprietor (a producer Terry Theise championed during his early rise), is an instinctive wine-grower and maker who knows exactly what he is doing without intellectualizing it. His great-grandfather was supplying wine to the government in barrels by 1890, and his father was the first to bottle it after the Second World War, which is where today's winery begins. The estate produces traditional-method Sekt aged a minimum of 24 months on the lees alongside its still wines, and Hartmut's son Justus is now following in his footsteps.

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Producer:	Bernhard
Country:	Germany
Region:	Rheinhessen
City of Origin:	Frei-Laubersheim
Date Founded:	around 1650
Owner Name:	Hartmut Bernhard
Vineyard Size:	11.5 HA
Total Annual Production:	6,000 cases

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Property History:

The winery places a strong emphasis on the appreciation of its terroir, aligning its benefits with a keen commitment to quality. In spring, the grape vines undergo their initial pruning, followed by a second cut during the summer when the grapes begin to ripen. The "green harvest" in August involves the reduction of leaves and removal of immature fruit, channeling the vine's energy towards the carefully selected remaining grapes. Harvesting of sound grapes occurs from September to October, with a meticulous triage based on quality. Situated in a region with an orientation between south-east and south-west, the vineyards enjoy an optimal sun exposure. During the fall, a gentle mist often hovers over the hilly slopes of the Mainz Basin, a geological feature of the area, preventing the grape fields from succumbing to freezing temperatures. This microclimate, coupled with a diverse range of soils surrounding the village, contributes to the distinctive character of the wines—fruity, spicy, and full-bodied. A constant pursuit of harmony and a well-defined aromatic structure guides the winemaking process. This journey begins with meticulous clearing, followed by maturation in steel, oak, or barrique barrels sourced from France.

Owner History:

Twelve generations ago, Hartmut's ancestors, originating from the Spanish Netherlands in a region known as Brabant, faced religious persecution, compelling them to emigrate. Utilizing their Gulden, they purchased vineyards, initiating the cultivation and trade of wine. In 1890, Hartmut's Great-Grandfather notably supplied wine to the government in barrels. Post World War II, his father transitioned to bottling wine, marking the inception of the present-day winery. In 1988, Terry Theise became involved and provided support to the estate. Hartmut and his wife Petra introduced modernized processes, venturing into the production of Sekt. Presently, their son Justus is upholding the family legacy, commencing in 2017 with his inaugural wine—a dry Scheurebe, which promptly sold out. While deeply rooted in tradition, the winery remains adaptable and open to innovative changes, demonstrating a nimble approach to evolving circumstances.