Weingut Karthäuserhof

Karthäuserhofberg - 700 years of viticultural history

In 1335, the Carthusian Order founded a vineyard on the centuries-old vineyards of Eitelsbach. The monks managed the estate for almost 500 years. After secularization, the French state finally took over the lands in 1803 and auctioned them off to the French general superintendent Valentin Leonardy in 1811. Today, the Karthäuserhof estate is still in the hands of Leonardy's successors. Albert Behler is now the 7th generation to run the winery. A historical outline shows the eventful history of the winery:

• 1223 - First documentary mention of the vineyard sites of Eitelsbach.
• 1335 - The Carthusian Order is granted a farmstead with lands in Eitelsbach by Elector Balduin of Luxembourg.
• 1803 - Secularisation of the Karthäuserhof estate by the Napoleonic troops.
• 1811 - Auction of the Karthäuserhof to Valentin Leonardy, general superintendent of the French army.
• 1824 - Marriage of Leonardy's daughter Susanne to Kommerzienrat and Chamber of Commerce President Johann Wilhelm, who henceforth manages the estate.
• 1868 - Classification of the vineyards on the Moselle, Saar and Ruwer by the Royal Prussian government and classification of the Karthäuserhofberg in the best class.
• 1876 - Marriage of Karl Wilhelm Rautenstrauch to Kathinka Mühlens of the Cologne house "4711".
• 1986 - The heir Christoph Tyrell takes over the Karthäuserhof and leads the winery to numerous awards. 1997 (Feinschmecker) and 2005 (Gault Millau) award as "Winemaker of the Year".
• 2012 - Christoph Tyrell's cousin, Albert Behler, takes over the management of the Karthäuserhof winery and runs it to this day.

Karthäuserhofberg - A Monopollage

The Karthäuserhofberg, a valuable monopollage, is owned exclusively by the family. A vineyard of exceptional quality. The facts:

• almost 20 hectares of vineyards
• South-southwest orientation
• up to 254 m.a.s.l.
• Slope up to 55
• Devonian clay slate soils

The terroir

The Devonian clay slate plays a decisive role in the Karthäuserhofberg. The pink-copper colour indicates a high mineral content. The heat-retaining slates constantly release iron-containing minerals, whereby potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and numerous trace elements are released to the vines. Clayey deposits can also be found. The clay stores heat, the loam stores water. The wines of the Karthäuserhof owe their exceptionally broad spectrum of aromas to this valuable combination.

Fair'n Green - nature and viticulture in harmony

The family of the Karthäuserhof winery cultivates their land under the premise of respectful treatment of flora and fauna in order to preserve resources. The mixed forest planted above the vineyard for many generations protects the vines from fall winds, while providing a safe habitat for native wildlife. The slate vineyard walls can not only store heat during the day and release it back into the vineyard at night, they also provide nesting sites for birds. Lizards and snakes also find refuge here. Numerous flowering plants, wild herbs and oats also grow along the vineyard rows, providing ideal nutrient soil for the vines and at the same time serving as a food source for many insects.

The Karthäuserhof is certified with the Fair'n Green seal, which stands for sustainable viticulture.