Dennis Wolf
Born into a family of winemakers, the noble art of winemaking has been instilled in him from birth for 5 generations.
Dennis studies viticulture and oenology at the University of Geisenheim, but he learns the most from the internships he does afterwards. He has the opportunity to go abroad and grabs it with both hands. Dennis gains practical experience with - *Klaus-Peter Keller in Rheinhessen (' Only tremendous effort & presence in your vineyards can give you the ultimate grapes to make something special' )
*André Ostertag in Alsace ( crash course Riesling X biodynamics )
*Jean-Louis Chave in Rhône ( Speaking of family businesses )
*Domaine Didier Dagueneau in the Loire ( spotless cellar! ) and at
*Lulu Vigneron in the Jura.
Wow, all in all a very impressive list.
He learns a lot from Ludwig 'Lulu' Bindernagel - a German winemaker in the Jura. As a true mentor, he teaches Dennis about the sensitive side of the trade, described as 'high spirit, low tech' . A dear friendship develops in passing.
Biodynamic
Weingut Wolf is located in Grosskarlbach, right on the Rhine near Mannheim. The Pfalz, as if it were an extension of the Alsace in Germany, is a fairly large, sunny and warm wine region (there are figs, kiwis...). Dennis has 14 hectares of vineyards near the towns of Grosskarlbach and Laumersheim. It is not surprising that Dennis brings the biodynamic teachings to the family business and immediately applies them when he returns in 2018. Biodiversity is stimulated and the focus is on the health of the plants and the soil. In 2021, Weingut Wolf will receive the Demeter certification. The handling of the plants changes. Using the teachings of Simonit & Sirch, Dennis cuts the plants differently, which results in fewer (large) pruning wounds and improves the sap flow.
All choices made determine the final wine style. Dennis' wines are not pumped up like his muscular namesake (just look up 'Dennis Wolf' in images, don't be alarmed!), but stand out in their purity, expression and elegance. The wines are often low in alcohol and delicate, elegant, 'clean', with an emphasis on the fruit.
A new adventure
We get to know Dennis as a warm, humorous and very skilled professional, the stories he tells about the home front are sad and unbelievable.
A difference of opinion and a long-term unpleasant relationship with his father means that Dennis has to make a difficult choice. He decides to move to Monferrato in Italy with his Sophie, to take over a small winery there. A special step. The first harvest is in 2024, we are curious and will of course keep you informed. The last vintage for Dennis in the Pfalz is 2021 and it is already sehr gut!
