Why it matters
The producer
At Eckelsheim, Niklas Rückrich works as a fourth generation winegrower in Rheinhessen. He focuses on Riesling, Silvaner, Chardonnay and Burgundy family varieties. He trained for two years at three Rheinhessen wineries, then studied for three years at Geisenheim University, with internships at Wagner-Stempel, Pranzegg and Ziereisen.
He began making wine under his own direction in 2021 with less than one hectare. He now works with his father across the family vineyards, which are certified organic since 2025.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The vineyards occupy the cooler, drier northwestern corner of Rheinhessen, close to the Nahe Valley. The vines grow on north facing slopes between 180 and 280 metres, with rows oriented west to east.
Cooler conditions generally slow ripening, while drier air can reduce disease pressure. North facing slopes receive less direct sun than south facing slopes, and elevation further moderates the growing conditions. Grapes from such settings can retain acidity while developing aroma gradually.
Wines to know
The range in view
Ruländer 2022 is an orange Pinot Gris made from three lots. Forty percent received seven days of skin contact and fermented in steel, 30% received seven days of skin contact and fermented in old oak, and the final 30% was direct pressed and fermented in old oak. The three lots were blended before bottling and rested in bottle for six months.
Shiro 2023 is a white blend of 15% Riesling, 20% Silvaner, 35% Müller Thurgau and 30% Scheurebe. Three varieties fermented on their skins for seven days, while the Riesling component was direct pressed and fermented in steel.