Schäfer- Fröhlich, Riesling Vulkangestein 2021

The story of Schäfer-Fröhlich begins somewhere over 200 years ago but we will start in the not too distant past. The estate of what is today known as Schäfer-Fröhlich was created following the marriage of two families, each with a rich winemaking heritage in the region. This union ultimately brought together their vineyards, laying the foundation for what has become one of Germany's most celebrated wine estates.

Today the Fröhlich family farms over 20 hectares of some of the most celebrated vineyards in the Nahe. What sets these vineyards apart is not just their prime Grand Cru locations, but their unique terroir. Each vineyard sits on steep, rocky slopes, where the barren, stone-laden soils challenge the vines, pushing them to produce grapes of exceptional character and intensity. While others might shy away from these difficult conditions, Tim Fröhlich, the passionate winemaker behind Schäfer-Fröhlich, thrives on them. It is here, where the work is hardest, that Tim finds his inspiration. The family's focus is on Riesling which makes up about 85% of their vineyards with the remaining 15% dedicated to Burgundian varietals. Slate and Volcanic soil give these wines a unique profile with authenticity and grip.

The crown jewels of the estate are the vineyards Stromberg and Felseneck. These sites are not only revered for their historical significance but also for the unparalleled quality of the wines they produce. Felseneck, in particular, has become synonymous with Schäfer-Fröhlich, embodying the very essence of the winery's identity. The dry Rieslings from this site are nothing short of legendary, representing the pinnacle of what the Nahe region can achieve. I have just recently been reminded of this personally when having a bottle of the 2017 vintage over lunch at Medlar Restaurant in London.

Tim Fröhlich’s approach to winemaking is uncompromising. The winery relies on spontaneous fermentation, a method that allows the natural yeasts present in the environment to shape the wine’s character. This technique, combined with Tim’s hands-on approach in the vineyards, ensures that each bottle of Schäfer-Fröhlich is a true reflection of its origin. The result is wines that are not only expressive and complex but also wild and untamed—a true reflection of the rugged landscapes from which they come. Though it has to be said that despite their wildness, or perhaps because of it, Schäfer-Fröhlich wines are celebrated for their elegance, finesse, and deep connection to their terroir. Tim’s wines are not immediate crowd-pleasers; they demand patience. But for those willing to wait and invest the time, the rewards are immense.

Schäfer-Fröhlich is a winery that has often defied convention and critics have at times called the wines too wild but Tim has never wavered from his vision. His wines are a reflection of his deep-rooted conviction for winemaking, a passion that was kindled in his childhood on the family estate. Since 2001 the winery is a member of the VDP (Verein der Prädikatsweingüter).

For those seeking wines with a story, wines that speak of place and personality, Schäfer-Fröhlich offers just that- wines of natural beauty without makeup. It is a winery where tradition meets innovation, where the wild meets the refined, and where every bottle is a tribute to the art of winemaking.