Why it matters
The producer
In 2018, Jason Groebe moved Bergkloster into fully natural winemaking. He removed filtration and fining agents and stopped adding sulfites. Bergkloster is a family winery, with Groebe representing the fifth generation of winemakers. Organic work began in 2006.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Westhofen is Bergkloster's home village in Rheinhessen, Germany. The vineyards are limestone based. Porous limestone lets water pass through while retaining some moisture, so roots can access water without prolonged saturation. That balance can help white grapes retain freshness during ripening. No slope, altitude or named parcel is attached to the vineyard description.
Wines to know
The range in view
Bergkloster's white range includes Cuvée Weiss and Lebendig Frisch 2025. Cuvée Weiss is a blend of six grape varieties. No grape composition or cellar method is specified for Lebendig Frisch 2025.
Cuvée Weiss 2022 uses Huxelrebe, Bacchus, Pinot Gris, Weissburgunder, Sauvignon Blanc and a small amount of Riesling. Bacchus and Huxelrebe were whole bunch crushed and fermented on their skins individually. Whole bunch crushing keeps stems and berries together at the start of fermentation, while skin contact leaves grape solids in the fermenting must and can add aromatic depth and phenolic texture. Pinot Gris, Weissburgunder, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling were pressed directly, reducing their contact with skins and stems.