Winemaker: Michael Christ
Where: Nordheim am Main, Franken, Germany
Size: 16 ha
Main Varieties: Silvaner, Müller-Thurgau, Bacchus & Kerner
Certifications: Organic since 1974, Demeter Certified since 2005, Ökop organic certification, Bavaria Organic Seal
Quick note: Among some of the first organic winemakers in Germany in the early 1970s!
Rather exotically, Weingut Helmut Christ is located on an island in the middle of Germany! Well, more on a beautiful slice of land that has been formed after the Main river was split in two, redirecting flow and creating a ‘Wein Insel’ entirely devoted to vines. The island has two main towns, and Michael’s winery sits in Nordheim am Main. Traditionally the region of Franken (engl.Franconia) has been quite conventional and classical in both wine production and style, with many vineyards having undergone a flurbereinigung (engl. land consolidation) in the 1940’s. Michael’s mother Angela and father Helmut, were however, some of the early pioneers of organic and biodynamic viticulture and agriculture, starting in 1974 with organic certified work, they went on to become one of Germany’s early wineries to be certified biodynamic with Demeter.
The family is now headed by Michael Christ, vigneron and eldest son of 9 siblings. A lifetime of working alongside his father has invested in him a hard working approach to agriculture, biodynamics and thorough cellarwork. Recently Michael has focused on condensing his land down to 16 hectares, manageable by himself and a small fixed team, and has always worked with extensive cover crop planting and biodynamic treatments.
The vineyards are split up amongst the different hillsides surrounding Nordheim, both on the Wein Insel and further afield. In classic German winery style, they produce a great range of wines, from grapes such as Riesling, Silvaner, Spätburgunder, Muller-Thurgau, Bacchus etc; in many different styles, from sweet to Sekt. However, Michaels newest additions to the cellar are the ‘Wilder’ series, with a true minimal intervention approach. We love that his wines often appear bright and precise, some more aromatic than others, and some driven, saline and razor sharp. It has been really exciting to support this progressive development in what their gorgeous terroir can tell us.
