Niklas Rückrich

Location: Eckelsheim, Rheinhessen, Germany
Estate Size: 14 hectares (organic conversion, certification expected by 2025)

🌿 Philosophy & Practices

Niklas is a fourth-generation winemaker from Rheinhessen. He practices fully organic viticulture, with certification expected by 2025. In the cellar, he favors minimal intervention: hand-harvesting, spontaneous fermentation, long lees aging (at least 11 months), and no fining or filtration. Sulfur is used sparingly, only when needed.

🍇 Terroir & Varieties

The vineyards sit on ancient porphyry-volcanic soils covered by loess and gravel, lending a striking mineral signature to the wines. Located in the cooler, elevated northwest corner of Rheinhessen (also known as Rheinhessische Schweiz), the site enjoys cool nights and late harvests, helping preserve natural acidity and structure.

Niklas cultivates a mix of classic and regional varieties including Riesling, Silvaner, Chardonnay, Weißburgunder, Dornfelder, Spätburgunder, Portugieser, Müller-Thurgau, Scheurebe, and Ruländer. He also produces field blends from older mixed plantings.

🍷 Signature Wines & Style

Niklas launched his own label in 2021 with just over 1 hectare and has since grown to 2 hectares under vine. His wines reflect the character of the region, with precision, freshness, and depth. Key cuvées include:

• Spätburgunder – A delicate Pinot Noir fermented with 35% whole clusters and aged in old French barrels for 11 months. Sour cherry, herbal tones, and volcanic tension.

• Rot – A vibrant red blend of Dornfelder, Spätburgunder, and Portugieser. Lightly extracted, juicy, and unfiltered—ideal served slightly chilled.

• Weiss – A field blend white (Müller-Thurgau, Scheurebe, Riesling), skin-fermented and aged in old oak. Lightly textural with floral and tropical notes.

🎓 Education & Background

Niklas gained hands-on experience through an apprenticeship at several wineries in Rheinhessen, followed by formal studies at Geisenheim University. He further honed his skills during internships in Alto Adige and Baden, bringing both technical precision and creative intuition to his craft.