Schnaitmann
Fellbach, Württemberg, Germany
“Schnaitmann, who bottled his first vintage in 1997, is the most prominent and rapidly rising newcomer of the past decade“ - The Finest Wines of Germany, Stephan Reinhardt
“In Germany, Württemberg is affectionately known as the Ländle, a diminutive of land in the Swabian dialect. It seems quite fitting, not only for the admirable modest Swabian people, who underplay almost everything - even themselves and their homeland… (B)ecause Württemberg is not rich in natural resources (besides wine of course), the people have always had to be very creative, innovative, and industrious. Porsche, Daimler/Mercedes-Benz and Bosch are from Württemberg.” - The Finest Wines of Germany, Stephan Reinhardt
The Schnaitmann family have been cultivating wine grapes for over 500 years in Fellbach, however the wine estate was not founded until 1997, when Rainer Schnaitmann, who was trained in architectural studies, decided to make his own wines. In the early 1990s, convinced that the regional vineyards held unrevealed potential, Rainer studied oenology and travelled abroad to learn how to make great wines.
In 2006 he was invited to join the VDP. His Pinot Noir and Lemberger wines have achieved huge success, but every vintage Rainer Schnaitmann still strives for the creation of distinctive wines. The Gault & Millau “Aufsteiger des Jahres” lists Schnaitmann amongst the 100 best wine estates in Germany; in all major wine publications, it is listed as the absolute top of Württemberg estates. In 2006, Raianer joined the “Verband deutscher Prädikatsweingüter” (the Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates, or VDP), the youngest wine estate until then. The grapes, planted on steep vineyards, are picked by hand with a team of many people from the surrounding area of Stuttgart, which in some years can take up to 9 weeks.
Schnaitmann has been certified in organic viticulture since 2016.
Our Selections
Schaitmann Muskattrollinger Steinwiege 2022
Rare wine alert! Muskattrollinger is a late maturing, aromatic variety with blue skin. As the name suggest, this variety is a natural crossing between Muscat and Trollinger (AKA Schiava or Vernatsch), that happened in the vineyard over years. The resulting crossing makes for an aromatic rose with excellent structure. The grapes, grown on colorful marl and red sandstone were spontaneously fermented and aged in stainless steel until bottling in February 2023.
The wine presents itself as a light rosé with fine notes of lychee, rhubarb, vineyard peach, blood orange, as well as rose petals and orange zest. Spicy notes of nutmeg, white pepper and cedar wood accompany the fruit. The light-footed, lively acidity and freshness as well as the moderate alcohol make the fragrant, fruity aromas unobtrusive and refreshing. The wine is juicy with crackling fruit and great structure. Limited!
Steinwiege, meaning “cradle of stones,” is a proprietary name for Schnaitmann’s pure varietal wines at the Gutswein quality level of VDP-classified vineyards.
11% alc., 2.5 g/l RS, 6.2 g/l acidity. Certified organic and vegan
Schaitmann Sauvignon Blanc Steinwiege 2022
From a small parcel of low yielding vines planted on gypsum marl, decomposed sandstone, and limestone. The wine was spontaneously fermented in new and used 600-liter-oak barrels, moved to steel for natural sedimentation, and then bottled in February, 2023. This is a delicious, ripe Sauvignon Blanc that rivals many of the best in the market. Vivid aromas of freshly cut grass, spring flowers, and herbs are rounded off with fruity notes of meyer lemon, kiwi, nectarine, star fruit, and pineapple. On the palate, the wine is full bodied with animating acidity, and a delightfully spicy, refreshing structure.
Steinwiege, meaning “cradle of stones,” is a proprietary name for Schnaitmann’s pure varietal wines at the Gutswein quality level of VDP-classified vineyards.
13.52% alc., 6.2 g/l RS, 7.4 g/l acidity. Certified organic and vegan
Schaitmann Lemberger Steinwiege 2020
Lemberger, also known as Blaufrankisch or Kekfrankos, is a deeply colored, juicy and structured red wine that makes for versatile food pairings. The Schnaitmann Steinwiege, from vines grown in gypsum and shale soils, features subtle notes of wild herbs, eucalyptus, thyme and juniper along with deep berry fruits such as cassis, blackberry and sour cherry. The palate is juicy, bright and brambly with excellent texture, acidity and fine-grained tannins.
Spontaneous whole-grape fermentation, followed by three weeks on the skins; aged for 24 months in old French oak barrels. Bottled unfiltered. Steinwiege, meaning “cradle of stones,” is a proprietary name for Schnaitmann’s pure varietal wines at the Gutswein quality level of VDP-classified vineyards.
12.5% alc., 1.4 g/l RS, 5.25g/l acidity. Not added SO2. Certified organic and vegan
Schaitmann Trollinger Alte Reben 2022
100% Trollinger (Schiava) from a selection of Rainer’s best sites. Alte Reben means ‘old vines,’ and these 45-year-old vines feature small berries that give great concentration to the wine. Partial whole cluster spontaneous fermentation for 14 days followed by aging in 300 liter old barrels. In the glass, the wine is bright cherry red in appearance with fruit aromas of sour cherry, sloe, wild strawberry, red currant and violets and sea buckthorn. The palate is medium-bodied yet elegant lively acidity, grippy tannin structure and a juicy fruit body that is typical of the grape variety. Simply sensational!
11% alc, 1.2 g/l RS, 4.9 g/l acidity. Unfiltered. No added sulphur. Certified organic and vegan