MEYER-NAKEL

The Ahr valley is Germany’s most northern red wine area and with just about 550 hectares, it is also the smallest.In order to ripen to perfection red wines require a lot of sunlight and warmth. The secret lies in an ideal micro climate found in the Ahr due to special geological conditions. The steep south-facing vineyard slopes are perfectly angled towards the sun. The soil formed from weathered slate and Greywacke warm up easily and are able to store heat. Hence, the grapes grow in an ideal biotope of the narrow Ahr valley that is protected by the Eifel Hills.Wine making along the Ahr was founded by the Romans. As a fifth generation family estate, a passion for wine is at the core of who we are. Today’s wine estate was established by the marriage of Paula Meyer and Willibald Nakel. Although Willibald Nakel only cultivated 1.5 hectares of vines he was already a pioneer for the then rather unusual dry red wines from the Ahr valley. Today’s 15 hectares estate is managed by his son Werner Nakel, his wife Claudia and their daughters Meike and Dorte. Meyer-Nakel grows and produces Pinot Noir wines of exceptional quality.

Meike and Dorte

We both initially completed training as vintners, then went on to study for a degree in wine cultivation in Geisenheim before gradually taking over the operation of the wine estate. Now our father gives us an entirely free rein – but is always there with advice and assistance when we need him. The generational handover could not have gone more smoothly.In our own way, we are now proceeding with precisely that which always was – and is – so important to our father: making the magnificent terroir of our steep slopes by the Ahr tangible in our mineral-laden and fruity wines. This requires a great deal of care in the vineyard as well as reduced yields, which are harvested by hand and carefully selected. This is only possible with the help of a truly committed team. The work in the cellar then focuses exclusively on preserving this high level of quality through a gentle working method.