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At the beginning of the year, “Grenzland” presents itself as a fresh new addition to the Steitz Herkunftline. The Rheinhessische Schweiz, a quiet and distinctive wine region, lies picturesquely between the Nahe and the rolling hills of Rheinhessen. Far from well-trodden paths, rugged vineyards, ancient dry-stone walls, dense hedges, and barren soils shape a landscape that not only challenges, but also forms those who work it – a place of true character.
For years, Christian Steitz and his son Finn have consistently focused on the origin of their home region. The second vintage of the Steitz Herkunft line opens the gate to a new chapter: “Grenzland”, the new foundation of the Herkunft range, expands the portfolio with a clearly defined entry-level wine. It makes the character of the Rheinhessische Schweiz, with its cool-climate conditions, tangible, while at the same time paving the way towards the winery’s village and single-vineyard wines.
Despite its role as a base wine, Finn Steitz applies the same high standards to “Grenzland” as to all his work: identical craftsmanship in vineyard and cellar, an uncompromising focus on origin, and sensory precision. Stylistically, the wine is deliberately approachable and drinkable, without losing its clear connection to terroir.
Elegant, drinkable wines for fine dining
The first vintage of “Grenzland” combines Chardonnay from younger parcels with Pinot Blanc from old vines. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested into 600-litre containers and undergo several hours of skin contact. This is followed by gentle pressing with the traditional basket press. Spontaneous fermentation takes place in previously used barriques, tonneaux, and “Stückfässern“ (1,200-litre oak barrels), predominantly with medium toast.
During winter, bâtonnage is carried out several times. Around half of the parcels undergo malolactic fermentation. The wine matured on full lees until August 2025 and was bottled without fining. Sales begin on January 1, 2026.
“With ‘Grenzland‘, we are giving our Herkunft line a solid foundation,” explains Finn. “The wine shows where we come from: quiet in tone, approachable in style, and clearly shaped by the Rheinhessische Schweiz.”
A Solid Foundation from the Rheinhessische Schweiz
“Grenzland” stands out for its clarity, freshness, and lively structure, reflecting the cool-climate character and the borderland between Rheinhessen and the Donnersberg region. The wine skillfully brings together transition, tension, and drinkability, while clearly telling the story of its origin. With “Grenzland”, Weingut Steitz further sharpens its Herkunft profile: restrained in tone, precise in expression, and deeply rooted in the landscape. Additional wines will follow in future vintages, including a “Rosé fumé” and a Pinot Noir.
The first “Grenzland” wine will be presented at Wine Paris (Hall 6 / D129.02) and at ProWein 2026 at the joint stand of Maxime Herkunft Rheinhessen (Hall 1 / D120).
