Karthäuserhof

The Karthäuserhof story begins in 1335 when Carthusian monks received the vineyards from Elector Baldwin of Luxembourg, though documented vineyard sites on the property date as far back as 1223. The monks operated the estate for approximately 500 years until secularization ended their tenure in 1803. In 1811, Valentin Leonardy purchased the property at a Paris auction, and the estate has remained in the same family ever since, passing through seven generations under the Leonardy, Rautenstrauch, Tyrell, and Behler family names. Christoph Tyrell guided the estate from 1986 to 2012, when Albert Behler took over. Mathieu Kauffmann joined as technical director in 2020.

• Vineyard sites first documented in 1223; estate formally founded 1335
• Carthusian monks operated the property for roughly 500 years
• Purchased by Valentin Leonardy at Paris auction in 1811; same family for seven generations
• Technical director Mathieu Kauffmann appointed 2020, leading sustainability push

The Karthäuserhofberg is a monopoly vineyard owned exclusively by the estate, covering 19 of the property's 28 total hectares. Situated in the Ruwer Valley, a tributary subregion within the broader Mosel appellation, the site faces south-southwest on slopes that reach up to 55% gradient, with elevations up to 254 meters above sea level. The soils are composed of Devonian clay slate in pink-copper hues alongside iron-rich blue and gray slate with clayey deposits. These conditions, combined with cool nights and the valley's unique microclimate, create the mineral intensity and precision that define Karthäuserhof wines. The vines grow on original ungrafted rootstock, a rarity that contributes depth and complexity to the fruit.

• 19-hectare Karthäuserhofberg is a monopoly vineyard, exclusively owned by the estate
• Devonian clay slate soils in pink-copper, blue, and gray tones with iron-rich deposits
• Slopes up to 55% gradient; south-southwest facing for optimal sunlight
• Original ungrafted rootstock throughout the vineyard

Karthäuserhofberg holds VDP.Große Lage status, the highest tier in the VDP classification system, equivalent to a Grand Cru designation. The Royal Prussian government independently recognized it as a best-class vineyard in 1868. The estate produces Riesling across a full range of styles, from dry Grosses Gewächs and trocken bottlings to off-dry feinherb wines and the classic Prädikat categories of Kabinett, Spätlese, and Auslese. A small amount of Pinot Blanc is also grown. The first Karthäuserhof Sekt sparkling wine was released in 2024. Wines from the estate are widely noted for their aging potential and pronounced mineral character.

• VDP.Große Lage (Grand Cru) classification; VDP estate member
• Royal Prussian government classified vineyard as best-class in 1868
• Riesling produced across dry (GG/trocken), feinherb, and Prädikat styles
• First Sekt (sparkling wine) released in 2024

Since Albert Behler took over in 2012 and accelerated under Mathieu Kauffmann from 2020, Karthäuserhof has committed to a thorough sustainability program. No pesticides or artificial sprays are used in the vineyard. The estate is certified by Fair'n Green for sustainable viticulture and is actively pursuing organic and biodynamic certification. This approach aligns with the estate's stewardship philosophy, reflecting both a respect for the ancient vineyard sites and a commitment to the long-term health of the Karthäuserhofberg.

• No pesticides or artificial sprays used in the vineyard
• Fair'n Green certified for sustainable viticulture
• Organic and biodynamic certification underway since 2020
• Sustainability program accelerated under technical director Mathieu Kauffmann