Weingut Max Ferd. Richter
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A nine-generation Mosel dynasty producing benchmark Riesling from fine gray-blue slate since 1680.
Weingut Max Ferd. Richter is a family-owned Mosel estate with over 340 years of continuous history producing Riesling. Located in Mülheim in the Middle Mosel, the estate spans 48 acres planted predominantly to Riesling and includes two monopole vineyards. Dr. Dirk Richter leads the ninth generation, with son Constantin Richter serving as oenologist.
- Founded in 1680 as a trading company; family-owned through nine generations
- Located in Mülheim, Middle Mosel Valley, between Erden and Brauneberg
- 48 acres (19.4 hectares) planted 95% to Riesling with 40-year average vine age
- Two monopole vineyards: Mülheimer Helenenkloster and Veldenzer Elisenberg
- Mülheimer Helenenkloster is considered among Germany's finest Eiswein sites
- Annual production of 120,000 bottles, all from estate holdings
- Sustainable, vegan farming using natural yeasts; no chemical fining agents
History and Heritage
The origins of Weingut Max Ferd. Richter trace back to 1643, when a document records a vineyard purchase in Brauneberg. The winery itself was formally established in 1680 as a trading company, and the family has maintained ownership across nine generations ever since. The estate's baroque manor house was built in 1774, with the winery building following in 1880. One of the estate's most storied moments came in 1813, when ancestor Franz Ludwig Niessen negotiated directly with French troops during the Napoleonic era to preserve the family's vineyards from requisition.
- Vineyard purchase in Brauneberg documented as early as 1643
- Baroque manor house built in 1774; winery constructed in 1880
- In 1813, Franz Ludwig Niessen negotiated to protect vineyards from French Napoleonic forces
- Currently led by Dr. Dirk Richter (9th generation) and son Constantin Richter (oenologist)
Vineyards and Terroir
The estate covers 48 acres across the Middle Mosel Valley, with soils dominated by fine gray-blue slate, the defining terroir of the region. Vines average 40 years of age, lending depth and concentration to the fruit. Riesling accounts for 95% of plantings, with Pinot Blanc making up the remaining 5% alongside some Pinot Noir. The estate owns two monopole vineyards: Mülheimer Helenenkloster and Veldenzer Elisenberg. Mülheimer Helenenkloster holds particular renown as one of Germany's premier sites for Eiswein production.
- Fine gray-blue slate soils throughout the estate
- Average vine age of 40 years across 48 acres of estate holdings
- Riesling dominates at 95%, with Pinot Blanc at 5%
- Mülheimer Helenenkloster monopole ranked among Germany's best Eiswein sites
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Open in the app →Winemaking Philosophy
Max Ferd. Richter produces the full range of Mosel Riesling styles, from bone-dry through off-dry to luscious sweet expressions including Spätlese and Auslese. Winemaking relies on natural yeasts for fermentation, and the estate eschews chemical fining agents entirely. Farming is both sustainable and vegan. All production, totaling 120,000 bottles annually, comes exclusively from estate-owned holdings, ensuring full traceability from vine to bottle.
- Full stylistic range: dry, off-dry, Spätlese, Auslese, and Eiswein
- Fermented with natural yeasts; no chemical fining agents used
- Sustainable and vegan farming practices throughout the estate
- All 120,000 bottles produced annually sourced entirely from estate vineyards
Middle Mosel Riesling from slate soils delivers pronounced minerality, high natural acidity, and precise fruit character spanning citrus, green apple, and stone fruit. The estate's range moves from focused, taut dry styles through delicately sweet Spätlese and Auslese with considerable aging potential. Eiswein from Mülheimer Helenenkloster reaches extraordinary concentration of botrytized fruit balanced by electric acidity.
- Max Ferd. Richter Mülheimer Riesling Kabinett$18-22Entry-level estate Riesling from Mülheim showcasing slate-driven minerality and vibrant acidity.Find →
- Max Ferd. Richter Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Spätlese$28-38Spätlese from historic Brauneberg vineyard; off-dry, precise, with exceptional aging potential.Find →
- Max Ferd. Richter Mülheimer Helenenkloster Riesling Auslese$55-80From the estate's flagship monopole; concentrated sweet Riesling with benchmark Mosel character.Find →
- Estate founded 1680 in Mülheim, Middle Mosel; vineyard ownership documented from 1643 in Brauneberg
- 95% Riesling, 5% Pinot Blanc across 48 acres (19.4 ha) of estate holdings; 40-year average vine age
- Two monopole vineyards: Mülheimer Helenenkloster (premier Eiswein site) and Veldenzer Elisenberg
- Natural yeast fermentation, no chemical fining, sustainable and vegan farming; 120,000 bottles annual production
- Currently ninth generation under Dr. Dirk Richter; son Constantin Richter serves as oenologist